Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Neofelderia rata (Hy. Edwards, 1882)
(1)
Lycomorpha rata Hy. Edwards, 1882
Malthaca xanthogramma Hering, 1924
Pyromorpha rata (Edwards, 1882)
Size
Wingspan about 18 mm (Hy. Edwards, 1882); 18-22 mm. MPG
(2)Identification
This species is sympatric with N. constans, but with smaller size, less bright colour, broader black margin in the forewing and narrower black margin in the hindwing. (Shen-Horn Yen, pers. comm). - From
Moths of SE Arizona - Note: This reference places both species in
Neoalbertia.
"Allied to L. constans, Hy. Edw., but differing by the following characters. The disc of the wing in the present species is dull orange, with the costa black, widening a little towards the apex, and joining the rather broad posterior marginal band. Secondaries also broadly margined with black. Head, antennae, thorax, legs and abdomen, above and below, blue-black. Collar, patagia and sides of abdomen dull orange. Lower side of the wings same as the upper.
In L. constans the costa of primaries is orange, as well as the basal 2/3 of the wing; the costa only of the secondaries is orange, and the abdomen is wholly blue-black." (Edwards, 1882)
Range
Arizona to northern Sonora, Mexico.
Holotype: [USA] Cochise, Arizona.
Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.
Season
Most records are from July and August.
(2)See Also
Compare to the related species on the pinned plates of
Moth Photographers Group.
Print References
Edwards, Hy. 1882. Descriptions of new species of North American Heterocera. Papilio: The organ of the New York Entomological Club. 2(8):
124
