Ruacodes tela (Smith)

Hadena tela Smith, 1900, Proc. U.S. Natl. Mus., 22: 470.

Diagnosis: Ruacodes tela has what might be termed a "typical noctuid" coloration and maculation in the sense that the species might at first be mistaken for a species of Mniotype or Apamea. The shortened prothoracic tarsal segments will, of course, immediately identify it as a nocloine. The well developed, circular frontal process with a strong central protuberance will distinguish Ruacodes from other nocloine genera with "typical noctuid"coloration and maculation, e.g. Paramiana, and Nocloini New Genus 3. The forewing is dark brown. The antemedial line is a strongly dentate lighter brown band defined with dull black on its outer side. A claviform mark is present and outlined by black and a black line stretches from the end of the claviform to the postmedial line. The orbicular mark is circular and defined by a thin black line. Similarly the reniform mark is kidney-shaped and also defined by a thin dark line. The postmedial line is a lighter brown band with thin, black interruptions on the veins. The postmedial line curves around the reniform and then slants obliquely to the inner margin. The subterminal line is repesented by a vague series of dull yellow-brown dots. The male hindwing is white with some dark brown scaling along the outer margin and an obscure subterminal line. The female hindwing is more generally suffused with dull brown, the amount of suffusion differing among individuals. Wing length: mean = 13.34 mm, standard deviation = 1.21 mm, n = 10.

Adults have been collected in August and September.

Distribution: Ruacodes tela is a moderately common species of the southwestern United States. The species occurs throughout most of central and southern Arizona, and has also been collected in southern New Mexico and western Texas. Ruacodes tela has also been collected in state of Chihuahua in Mexico.

Identification Quality: Excellent

Larva: Unknown

Foodplants: Unknown

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