Eupackardia

The adult calleta silkmoth has a black body with a red collar and red on the back of the thorax. The wings, which normally span 8-11 centimetres, are black with conspicuous white post-median lines which happen to be wider in females. though these colours may vary. These larvae are normally very brightly coloured because they contain biogenetic chemicals that help to repel predators. == Life cycle ==

Adult E. calleta emerge in the evening and may be mating as early as 7:30 am the next morning. Young caterpillars, typically the 1st to 3rd larval stages, feed gregariously, while the older caterpillars of the 4th and 5th larval stages are usually solitary feeders. Cocoons are normally spun near the ground and in the shade and is attached to a twig by a short silken loop. == Diet ==

Eupackardia calleta caterpillars feed on ceniza (Leucophyllum frutescens), ash (Fraxinus), Mexican jumping bean (Sapium biloculare) and ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens), while adults do not feed at all. == Habitat, season and distribution ==

Eupackardia calleta ranges across southern Texas, Mexico, Guatemala, Arizona, and New Mexico. In the southeastern mountains of Arizona they are mostly seen from July to August. In central Arizona to Mexico they are seen from October to January, and in South Texas they are seen from September to November as well as March to April. They normally make their habitats in thorn scrubs, foothills and canyons of desert mountain ranges and dry deserts. { "type": "FeatureCollection", "features": [ { "type": "Feature", "properties": {}, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ -101.35961651802, 22.726097772928 ] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": {}, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ -111.81734964252, 34.34298483808 ] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": {}, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ -105.05785234272, 34.082689850342 ] } }, { "type": "Feature", "properties": {}, "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ -90, 15.537653970406655 ] } } ] } == Threats ==

Predators '') Raccoons, opossum and possibly other species of the order Rodentia tend to tear apart the cocoons of the calleta silkmoth. The most common parasitoid is the wasp. Compared to other large Saturniidea, E. calleta does not appear to be attacked by many parasitoid species, however some reports have been seen. == Uses of Eupackardia calleta cocoons ==

The cocoons of Eupackardia calleta are often used for ankle rattles and medicinal necklaces in certain American Indian ceremonies. According to Yaqui pascola dancer and artist, Merced Maldonado, Yaqui Indians in Arizona and Mexico, for example, call these rattles "tenabares", or "tenevoim". They are made in pairs and worn around the ankles or on both lower legs. ==References==