Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Exyra semicrocea (Guenée, 1852)
Xanthoptera semicrocea Guenée, 1852
* phylogenetic sequence #931189
Size
wingspan 16-26 mm; average 24 mm
Identification
Adult - typical form has basal half of forewing bright yellow, distal half dark gray, divided by straight median line at right-angles to costa; some individuals have completely pale yellow forewing except for faint subterminal line; hindwing typically dark gray but may be almost white in pale forms; fringe color varies from black to almost white; top of head and collar black; top of thorax yellow.
Range
Southeastern states: North Carolina to Florida, west to Mississippi.
Food
Larvae feed on various pitcherplants (
Sarracenia spp.), specifically
Hooded Pitcherplant (
S. minor),
S. psittacina, S. sledgei, S. drummondii, S. rubra, and
S. flava. When feeding on
S. flava, it is usually replaced by
Exyra ridingsii that may occur in the area.
See Also
The Half Yellow (
Tarachidia semiflava) has no black on top of the head or thorax.
Print References
Brou Jr., V.A., 2008.
Exyra semicrocea (Guenee) in Louisiana.
Southern Lepidopterists' News, 30: 19-20.
(1)
Lafontaine, J.D. & R.W. Poole, 1991.
The Moths of America North of Mexico, Fascicle 25.1: p.76; pl.1.48-50.
(2)
Riley, C.V., 1874. On the insects more particularly associated with
Sarracenia variolaris.
The Canadian Entomologist, 6(11):
207.