Noctuidae - Psaphidinae - Psaphidini

 

 

 

Psaphida thaxterianus (Grote) 1874

Dicopis thaxterianus Grote, 1874, Bull. Buffalo Soc. Nat. Sci., 2:196.

Diagnosis: Psaphida thaxterianus has a distinctive shaggy appearance. The forewing appears narrower and more sharply pointed than in any other species of Psaphida except grandis. Psaphida thaxterianus is superficially most similar to resumens. However, the forewing terminal area of thaxterianus is a contrasting green-gray, and black dashes are not present in the fold along the outer margin. The claviform mark is not large and light, nor does it abutt the orbicular mark. The plate associated with the prothoracic tibial claw projects into a point below the claw in thaxterianus but is flush with the claw in resumens. The male vesica of thaxterianus lacks a basal diverticulum. The vesica spining is fairly uniform with moderate to long spines. A long apical spine is present. Wing length from base to apex: mean = 16.87 mm., standard deviation = 0.73 mm., n = 10.

Distribution: (See Map Below) Psaphida thaxterianus has a spotty distribution and is not common anywhere. The species occurs in a band running from Massachusetts through New York and Pennsylvania westward to Illinois and eastern Missouri. The northern extent of its range occurs in Ontario and southern Michigan. A single specimen in the USNM is labeled only "Tex." but the species is otherwise unknown from Texas. Forbes (1954) lists a specimen from North Carolina, but I have not seen it. Little variation exists in this species, either between populations or among individuals. The forewing terminal area is less distinct than normal in a few specimens.

Identification Quality: Excellent

Larva: The larva has been described several times, e.g. Dyar (1901).. Dyar describes the larva as red-brown with large subdorsal cream-white patches on "joints 2 to 14". The pinacula and setae are white. The head is brown dotted with white and black patches are present on either side of the clypeus. Dyar's description portrays a rather striking caterpiller. I have not seen any larval specimens myself. Adults fly in early spring from March to May.

Foodplants: Dyar lists white oak (Quercus alba) (Fagaceae)

 

 

Psaphida thaxterianus

Psaphida thaxterianus is superficially most similar to resumens. However, the forewing terminal area of thaxterianus is a contrasting green-gray, and black dashes are not present in the fold along the outer margin. The claviform mark is not large and light, nor does it abutt the orbicular mark. The plate associated with the prothoracic tibial claw projects into a point below the claw in thaxterianus but is flush with the claw in resumens. The forewing is more elongate and pointed than that of resumens.

Similar Species

Psaphida resumens