Genus Neohelvibotys

Author: Munroe, 1976

3 species in our area (1).

Dr. Brian Scholtens on Neohelvibotys vs. Helvibotys:

"They are the biggest problem in the SW and in the SE. In the east we have two Neohelvibotys, neohelvialis and polingi. N. polingi is only in S. Florida. N. neohelvialis is more widespread in the SE. Munroe had it listed from GA and FL west to Arizona, but I have also taken it in the Smokies in TN, so it is obviously a bit more widespread.

Capps (1967) on separating Neohelvibotys neohelvialis from Helvibotys helvialis: "The sparser cilia of the antenna and incrassate midtibia with a hair-pencil distinguishes the males of neohelvialis from those of helvialis. If the specimens are in good condition, the coloration along the outer margin of the fore- and hindwings is darker in neohelvialis than in helvialis; in the former, it is concolorous with the markings of the wings and in the latter, concolorous with the ground color of the wings. Worn females of neohelvialis, however, are reliably distinguished from those of helvialis only by examination of the genitalia."

We have one Helvibotys in the east, helvialis. This is the most widespread of the three. It occurs from very southern Canada down through Florida and west to the midwest. Pretty much anything north of Georgia, South Carolina or Tennessee would be this species.

Munroe, E. G. 1976: Pyraloidea Pyralidae comprising the subfamily Pyraustinae tribe Pyraustini (part). Pp. 1–78, pls 1–4, A–H. – In: Dominick, R. B. et al., The Moths of America north of Mexico 13.2A 13.2A. – E.W. Classey Ltd. and The Wedge Entomological Research Foundation, London.