Noctuidae - Acontiinae

 

Photograph of aedoeagus courtesy of C. Ferris and J.D. Lafontaine

 

 

Tarache geminocula (Ferris and Lafontaine)

Acontia geminocula Ferris and Lafontaine, 2009, Contributions to the Systematics of New World Macro-Moths. ZooKeys 9: 27-46. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.9.180.

Diagnosis: The basal half of the forewing is light yellow-brown in color and the basal and antemedial lines are vague, crenulated, double gray lines. The orbicular is obscure, usually consisting of only partial segments of an outer line The reniform is ovate, defined by an outer black line, and filled with dull blue scales. A distinct black dot , if present, is not centrally located. A well defined blue band accented with black of both sides is located just distal to the middle of the medial line. In addition there is a distinctive black, linear patch stretching from the tip of the costal white patch behind the reniform. The costal white patch is longer (up and down) than wide (left to right). The male hindwing is light yellow-brown with a darker brown outer margin. The female hindwing is completely suffused with brown. Forewing length from base to apex 10 to 12.5 mm.

Distribution: This species is primarily known from southeastern and south-central Arizona, although it is also known from the Big Bend region of western Texas.

Adults have been collected between July and September.

Identification Quality: Excellent

Larva: Unknown

Foodplants: Unknown

Distribution map courtesy of C. Ferris and J.D. Lafontaine

Tarache geminocula

Identifying the species of the areli species complex

Similar Species

Tarache areli

Tarache areloides

Tarache toddi

Tarache albifusa