Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Dichordophora phoenix (Prout, 1912)
(1),
(2)
Dichorda phoenix Prout, 1912
(128) Explanation of Names
The type specimen, a female, was collected in Phoenix, Arizona; this is the origin of the specific epithet and the suggested common name, Phoenix Emerald.
Numbers
The only named species of
Dichordophora in America north of Mexico.
(1),
(3)Size
♂ 12.5-14.5 mm. (males can be as small as 10.5 mm)
♀ 12-16.5 mm.
Identification
Original description online as
Dichorda phoenix Prout.
(128)
Adult: forewing green with straight whitish AM and PM lines that curve slightly at costa; distance along costa between AM and PM lines less than 2x distance between PM line and apex; narrow reddish-brown strip along costa has scattered pale patches; green shading slightly darker along medial edge of AM and PM lines; hindwing green with straight whitish PM line having slightly darker green shading along basal edge
Range
California
(4) and Nevada to Colorado and Texas.
(5),
(2),
(1),
(6)
Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.
Habitat
Deserts
(5); adults are nocturnal and come to light.
Season
Arizona and Texas records from April to November.
(2),
(1)
California records from December to May.
(2),
(1)Remarks
This is the type species of the genus
Dichordophora.
(1)See Also
In species of
Dichorda, distance along costa between AM and PM lines is more than 2x distance between PM line and apex (for example,
see image of
Dichorda rectaria.
Print References
Ferguson, D.C. 1969. A revision of the moths of the subfamily Geometrinae of America north of Mexico (Insecta, Lepidoptera).
(2)
Ferguson, D.C, 1985. The Moths of America North of Mexico Fascicle 18.1. Geometroidea, Geometridae (Part), Geometrinae. p. 79; pl. 3.54-56.
(1)
Porter, A.H. 1986. Life history of
Nemoria glaucomarginaria (Barnes & McDunnough) and larval taxonomy of the tribe Nemoriini (Geometridae: Geometrinae).
(5)
Prout, L.B. 1912. Genera Insectorum, Fascicules 129, Geometridae, p.
(128).
Internet References
pinned adult image and
foodplant (Bruce Walsh, Moths of Southeastern Arizona)
pinned adult images plus dates and locations (Friends Central School, Pennsylvania)
Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) - species account with collection map and photos of pinned adults.
presence in California; list of 4 specimen records with dates and locations (U. of California at Berkeley)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 20 September, 2007 - 3:14pm
Additional contributions by
Maury HeimanLast updated 25 April, 2014 - 10:15pm
