Other Common Names
Convict Caterpillar (larva)
Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Xanthopastis regnatrix – (Grote, 1863)
* polygenetic sequence #933210
described in 1782 by Cramer, who originally placed it in genus Phalaena
Wagner
(1) page 401 says this should be called
X. regnatrix (described as
Philochrysa regnatrix by Grote in 1863) which All-Leps treats as a synonym
Other synonyms include Phalaena amaryllidis (Sepp 1848), Glottula heterocampa (Guenee 1852), X. antillium (Dyar 1913), X. moctezuma (Dyar 1913), X. molinoi (Dyar 1919)
Numbers
the only species (and genus) in this subfamily in North America
Identification
Adult: hairy black body and pink forewing with black markings (forewing may be mostly white or mostly yellowish - see images under Internet References below); subterminal line composed of several yellow spots; reniform spot outlined in yellow; hindwing uniformly dark gray
Larva: vertical black and white stripes
Range
from Staten Island, New York to Florida, west to Kentucky, Arkansas, Texas
also occurs through Mexico and Central America to South America (Brazil)
Food
larvae feed on spider lily (Liliaceae) and amaryllis and narcissus (Amaryllidaceae); also reported on figs (Ficus spp.) in continental US; larvae have been reared on "iceberg" lettuce
Remarks
common in Florida; rare elsewhere in United States
Internet References
Moth Photographers Group - range map, photos of living and pinned adults
