Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Elaphria festivoides (Guenée, 1852)
(1)(2)
Celaena festivoides Guenée, 1852
Many synonyms listed in the PDF.
(1)
Phylogenetic sequence # 932233
Size
Forewing length 8.5–12 mm.
(1)Identification
Adult: distinct whitish reniform spot interrupts broad black dash in median area of forewing. Lower PM line also whitish. Rest of forewing brown: lighter brown with gray mottling near base and along costa, darker beyond PM line. Hindwing distinctly gray with a white fringe. See full description by Pogue and Sullivan 2003
(2).
Range
Southeast: North Carolina to Florida, west to Texas and north to Missouri.
Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.
Season
Adults fly from February to October.
(1)
January to November records on Moth Photographers Group.
(3)Food
Larval host includes Box-elder (
Acer negundo).
(1),
(4)Life Cycle
At least two generations per year (whereas the more northerly E. alapallida has one generation per year).
See Also
Pale-winged Midget (
E. alapallida) is more northern. Festive slightly larger on average & generally drabber, lacking the bright rufous and white scales usually present in Pale-winged. Forewing markings generally less defined in Festive than Pale-winged; for example, claviform spot indistinct to absent in Festive, well developed in Pale-winged. Hindwing gray in Festive, whitish in Pale-winged. [adapted from Pogue and Sullivan 2003
(2)]
Print References
Covell, pp. 135-136 and plate 27 #7.
(4)Internet References
Species circumscription by Pogue and Sullivan 2003
