Explanation of Names
pyralis Group designated by Green (1956)
(1) Identification
male ventral segment 5 with pale apical border, but not diagnostic as this character is shared by other spp. outside of this group
(1)Range
collectively: e. US to w. TX
(2)Habitat
usually found in woodland borders but in some places
pyralis seems to be ecologically ubiquitous (at least in 1966).
(2)Remarks
pyralis Group
flash signals are either of the simple "flash-answer" type or of the "flash-delay-answer" type
(2)
pyralis - e US (TX-FL-NY-NE), absent along s. Atlantic coast, found in var. habitats, male flash-pattern is a single long flash emitted during flight that resembles the letter J.
australis - se US (MO-FL-NC), nearly always confined to shaded areas and dense bushes, quick short flash every ~4 secs.
scintillans - ne US (NY-PA-MD area), brachypterous females, males give quick flash every 2.5 secs on avg.
Contributed by
Mike Quinn on 20 August, 2016 - 11:14am
Last updated 20 August, 2016 - 1:54pm