Leucanella fusca (Saturniid) female - documented?

Fernando,

Leucanella fusca is depicted in Lemaire's Hemileucinae 2002. So Yes, it has been documented, but that is not to say Lemaire's image of the female fusca won't be reassigned.

No new Leucanella were designated by Brechlin and Meister 2010 or 2011 for Mexico. I am assuming this moth is from Oaxaca, Mexico, realizing assumptions are dangerous. Please confirm or correct.

I think only the following Leucanella species are known from Mexico. The ones followed by xxx can definitely be ruled out unless you have an extreme variation

Leucanella acutissima xxx
Leucanella contempta windi
Leucanella fusca
Leucanella leucane xxx
Leucanella muelleri xxx
Leucanella saturata xxx

Of the two remaining species I cannot rule out contempta windi or fusca
or an undescribed species. My first guess would be an undescribed species
because it is not a really good match for either contempta windi or fusca.

If it is from a different location than Oaxaca, Mexico, I might revise determination or lack thereof. Please advise.
If it was carrying eggs, it probably was not a hybrid.

Bill Oehlke

Fernando,
Do you have an image of the most recently posted female that shows shape of forewing tips?
It is often very difficult to do determinations from photos, and it is even more difficult when some of the determining characters are not shown when they could be??
It is helpful when you do present all images of a given genus, as sometimes useful connections can be made. I understand that you do not have wingspans, but even more precise locations than Oaxaca, Mexico, can be helpful. Sometimes elevations are very helpful.
Identification of some moths is easy. When there are several very similar moths, many of which might be sympatric, it is most helpful to have and share as many images and as much information as possible. You can often save those who would try to help you much time, and you are more likely to come away with a good determination. There is always some variation within species.
Bill Oehlke

PS. usually (not always) males and females of the same species have abdomens of the same colour.

Hi Fernando,
Thaks for additional data. I believe the male is Leucanella leucane as I believe acutissima is a lower elevation species (so elevation helps).
Both females have the wide, yellow-orange, hindwing ocellus ring which is noted for fuscus. L. contempta windi also has a wide hindwing ring, but it tends to be much more pale yellow. Neither is a perfect match for images and descriptions I have of contempta windi or fusca so you probably have something new or variations of fusca and or contempta windi. Hope Bernhard can sort it out.

Bill Oehlke