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Photo#338661
Melittia species, but which? - Eichlinia gloriosa

Melittia species, but which? - Eichlinia gloriosa
Austin, Travis County, Texas, USA
September 29, 2009
Size: 2 inch long approx
I recently uploaded a photo identified as Melittia gloriosa, Hodges 2540. But what about this photo, taken in the same coyote gourd patch? This moth is considerably larger, almost 2 inches long, and has much more white on the abdomen plus a wide yellow wing fringe, and seems so divergent I feel compelled to ask if it is M. magnifica, whose type locality is Austin, Texas. Unfortunately I can find no photos of M. magnifica. Is it still a valid name, or is it a variant of M. gloriosa? Anyway I find this very puzzling. Maybe it's just a large individual of M. gloriosa with different markings (are they sexually dimorphic?) Any help would be appreciated.

i just want to say
thats the prettiest thing ive seen in here in awhile..it is just beautiful and youre lucky to get to see it.

Moved
Moved from Sesioidea.

2540 - Melittia gloriosa
A dimorphic species. Magnifica is still valid, but is different in appearance. (no rsvp, thanks)

Moved
Moved from ID Request.

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