Other Common Names
X. tatago needs a new common name that distinguishes it from the Eurasian X. togata, known as the Pink-barred Sallow in Europe. Pink-banded Sallow is a suggested common name.
Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
This North American species was previously thought to be conspecific with the Eurasian X. togata, but was shown to be a distinct and new species (X. tatago) by Lafontaine and Mikkola in 2003.
Explanation of Names
The new name
tatago is an anagram of the Eurasian specific epithet,
togata. This seems to be a theme in this group: the genera
Xanthia and
Anathix are anagrams also. See images of species in both genera at
CBIF.
Numbers
the only species in this genus in North America; locally common
Identification
Adult: thorax and forewing bright yellow; collar, line fragments, and postmedial shading purple , mixed with reddish-brown; ST line dotted, black; hindwing white, tinted with pale yellow
[description by Charles Covell]
Range
northern United States and most of Canada (Newfoundland to Connecticut, west to Oregon, north to British Columbia and Northwest Territories)
Season
adults fly August-October
larvae in spring and summer
Food
early-stage larvae feed on catkins of willow (Salix spp.); older larvae feed on the leaves
Print References
Covell, p. 117, plate 24 #11
(1)
Lafontaine, J.D., and K. Mikkola. 2003. New species of Xanthia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from North America. Can. Entomol. pages 549-554.
Internet References
Moth Photographers Group live adult image of
X. togata [by Ian Kimber, UK]; this Eurasian species does not occur in North America
distribution in western Canada list of provinces and territories (CBIF)
Abstract of article describing new species,
X. tatago (Lafontaine and Mikkola,
The Canadian Entomologist)
Contributed by
Cotinis on 6 February, 2006 - 7:49pm
Additional contributions by
Robin McLeod,
Tony-2Last updated 28 September, 2006 - 7:35pm