Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Melipotis jucunda Hübner, 1818
* phylogenetic sequence #930878
Explanation of Names
jucunda - Latin for 'pleasant, merry'
(1) Numbers
Thirteen
Melipotis species are found in America north of Mexico.
(2)Range
Across most of the US and western Canada, but largely absent from New England -
Map (MPG),
(3)Food
Willow (Salix bonplandia, S. wrighti) Acacia sp., Calliandra eriophylla.
Wagner lists
catclaw blackbead (
Pithecellobium unguis-cati), oak, and willow.
Life Cycle
Two or three broods in New Jersey, multiple generations in Deep South with mature caterpillars throughout growing season.
larva; larva; pupa; adult
See Also
acontioides females can be easily confused
Print References
Lafontaine J.D. & B.C. Schmidt 2010. Annotated check list of the Noctuoidea (Insecta, Lepidoptera) of North America North of Mexico. p.35
(2)
Powell, J A. & P.A. Opler 2009. Moths of Western North America. University of California Press. pl.43.30f, 43.31m, p.257
(4)
Wagner, D.L., D.F. Schweitzer, J B. Sullivan, R. Reardon 2011. Owlet Caterpillars of Eastern North America. Princeton University Press. p.149
(5)Internet References
Moth Photographers Group - range map, photos of living and pinned adults.
BOLD - Barcode of Life Data Systems - species account with collection map and photos of pinned adults.
Moths of Southeastern Arizona - listed for Arizona with linked photo of pinned adult.
Owlet Caterpillars of Eastern North America - (PDF download) larval description p. 156.