More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Moths of Zihuatanejo
ORDER LEPIDOPTERA
-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)
-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)
-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)
-Butterflies and Moths (Order Lepidoptera)
-Geometrid and Swallowtail Moths (Superfamily Geometroidea)
-Geometer Moths (Family Geometridae)
-Waves and Mochas (Subfamily Sterrhinae)
-Tribe Mecoceratini
-Genus Ametris
-Seagrape Spanworm Moth (Ametris nitocris)
The Seagrape Spanworm Moth (Ametris nitocris) is a member of the Geomter family and is known for its larval association with the seagrape plant, a common coastal shrub. Both larvae and adults rely on camouflage to avoid predation by birds, lizards, and other insectivores in the coastal ecosystem.
Seagrape Spanworm Moth
Ametris nitocris
Description
Ametris nitocris is a medium-sized geometrid moth in the family Geometridae. Adults have broad, rounded wings with a pale cream to yellowish-brown ground colour, crossed by fine brown lines and irregular darker markings. The wingspan is generally about 25–35 mm, with the cryptic pattern helping the moth blend into foliage and bark.
Range
Ametris nitocris is a Neotropical species occurring from Mexico through Central America and into northern South America. It occurs in the tropical Pacific lowlands of Mexico, including Zihuatanejo, Guerrero.
Habitat
It inhabits tropical and seasonally dry forest, woodland, scrub, forest edges, and other areas with woody vegetation. Adults are nocturnal and are often encountered resting on vegetation or attracted to artificial lights.
Diet
The larvae are herbivorous caterpillars that feed on leaves of suitable woody plants. Adults primarily obtain liquid nourishment such as nectar and other plant fluids.