Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Eudesmia arida (Skinner)
Orig. Comb: Ruscino arida Skinner, 1906
* phylogenetic sequence #930174
Explanation of Names
arida: presumably refers to the arid climate within the range of this species, and is the origin of the suggested common name above (its "sister species" in North America [E. menea] occurs in extreme southern Texas where the climate is not so arid)
Numbers
one of 2 species in this genus in North America listed at
All-LepsSize
wingspan 23-30 mm, based on two Internet images
Identification
Adult: forewing dark gray to blackish with broad transverse yellow band in median area, and narrow yellow band in subterminal area; subterminal band does not extend to costa or inner margin; hindwing blackish distally, yellow basally; body yellowish to light brownish
Food
larvae feed on lichens growing on rocks, walls, or cliffs
See Also
Eudesmia menea forewing has narrow median band (not broad), and subterminal band extends to costa and inner margin
Cisthene species of moths have only one transverse band on the forewing
Print References
Skinner, 1906. Ent. News 17 (3):
95Internet References
live adult image plus location and date (Ron Lyons, Texas)
