Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Apogeshna stenialis (Guenée, 1854)
Apogeshna acestealis
Apogeshna phaerusalis
the species was originally placed in the genusIsopteryx
Explanation of Names
See genus guide page for possible origin of that name. Specific epithet "stenialis" may refer to an ancient Greek nocturnal fertility festival, Stenia. This festival involved bread made in the shape of "snakes and phalluses". Perhaps this is the allusion--based on the sinuous wing markings! (Based on Internet searches.)
Size
Wingspan about 17 mm, based on photo by Jim Vargo at MPG
Identification
Adult: forewing variably bright to pale yellow (mostly along costa) and brown (mostly along inner margin and beyond PM line); hollow oval spot in median area, and another descending from AM line; AM, PM, and median lines fairly straight; PM line terminates at anal angle; hindwing brown with large dark-edged pale patches; fringes of wings dark with scattered pale patches
Range
Maine to Florida, west to Alabama, Illinois, and Ohio.
Season
Adults fly early June to late July
on Block Island, RI.
(1)Print References
Guenée, M. A. 1854: Deltoïdes et Pyralites. Pp. 231. – In: Boisduval, J. B. A. D. de & M. A. Guenée, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes. Species Général des Lépidoptères 8 8. – Roret, Paris.
Hulst, G. D. 1886: Descriptions of new Pyralidae. – Transactions of the American Entomological Society, Philadelphia 13: 168.
Internet References
Moth Photographers Group - range map, photos of living and pinned adults.
pinned adult image by John Glaser, plus seasonaity and distribution (Larry Line, Maryland)
South Carolina Moths county distribution map (John Snyder, Furman U., South Carolina)
Illinois State Museum presence in Illinois; list
Ohio Checklist presence in Ohio; list (Ohio State U.)
North Carolina State University Entomology--list 2 pinned specimens, not from North Carolina
presence in Florida; list (John Heppner, Florida State Collection of Arthropods)
