Explanation of Names
In
Words by William Whitaker, "maculata" translates to "spot".
Genus and common name Thyris is Greek for "small door" (based on Internet searches).
Numbers
the only species in this genus in North America listed at
All-Leps
Identification
Adult: wings blackish with inconspicuous orange spots. Note round translucent whitish spot in median area of forewing; 2 other spots close together on hindwing.
(1)Range
Quebec to Florida, west to Mississippi, north to Wisconsin
Food
Larvae feed on Clematis and Houstonia species.
Adults take nectar from flowers of herbaceous plants.
See Also
Mournful Thyris (
Pseudothyris sepulchralis) has more white spots and no orange on wings
Internet References
live adult images (Marcie O'Connor, Wisconsin)
live adult images by various photographers (Moth Photographers Group)
live adult image (Florida State Collection of Arthropods)
pinned adult image and photos of related species by Jim Vargo (Moth Photographers Group)
pinned adult image and collection site map (All-Leps)
pinned adult image by John Glaser, plus flight dates (Larry Line, Maryland)
common name reference plus foodplants and flight season (Ohio State U.)
presence in Florida; list (John Heppner, Florida State Collection of Arthropods)
