Ammalo helops (Cramer, 1775)

 

Synonyms: Phalaena helops, Bombyx helops, Ammalo fervidus, Ammalo metapyrrha, Ammalo impunctus, Halysidota megapyrrha, Halysidota chrysogaster

 

 

Ammalo helops is widely distributed in the tropical Americas from central Mexico to southern Brazil and Uruguay; also in the Greater Antilles, Grenada, Tobago, and Trinidad. The forewings are brown, with small orange spots; the hind wings are pinkish or yellowish. The head, thorax and abdomen are orange or yellowish. The larvae are covered with thick black bristles, and are gregarious. In years when population densities are low, the caterpillars build a coarse tent nest; when densities are high, many congregate in the open on the tree trunk. The larvae feed on Ficus spp. (Moraceae). Usually two generations a year.

 

D54887 Ammalo helops Tubagua, Puerto Plata Dominican Republic Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved

 

		D54890 Ammalo helops Tubagua, Puerto Plata Dominican Republic Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D54889 Ammalo helops Tubagua, Puerto Plata Dominican Republic Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D39169 Ammalo helops, caterpillars Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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