Species Euchaetes zella - Hodges#8232

8232

Euchaetes zella (Dyar)

Orig. Comb: Calidota zella Dyar, 1902

* phylogenetic sequence #930406

Specific epithet zella likely in honor of author Harrison G. Dyar's wife, Zella. M. Peabody Dyar (1869-1938). The marriage ended in divorce in 1915 amid suspicion that Dyar had a second family with Bahá'í faith spiritual advisor Wellesca Pollock Allen, whom he married in 1921. She had three children, including Harrison G. born in 1911. The moth named for Zella, however, lives on.

Wingspan about 26 mm (Dyar, 1903).

Larva to 25 mm (Comstock & Dammers, 1935).

Pupa 12.5 mm (Comstock & Dammers, 1935).

Larva - not unlike its cogeners. See Comstock & Dammers.

CA to w. TX - Map (MPG) (1)

Comstock & Dammers found and reared them on Hartweg's twinevine (Funastrum cynanchoides heterophyllum, =Philibertia heterophylla). Moths of Southeastern Arizona lists milkweed (Asclepias L., Asclepiadaceae). (2)

Pupation occurs in a dense oval cocoon incorporating the larval hairs (Comstock & Dammers, 1935).

Type locality: "Hot Springs", Arizona.

The sometimes prominent triangular spot and darkish grey-brown forewing and antennae help serparate zella from moths for which it might be confused.

Comstock, J.A. & C.A. Dammers 1935. Notes on the early stages of three butterflies and six moths from California. Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Sciences, 34(2): 133, pl.26-29

Dyar, H.G. 1903. New North American lepidoptera with notes on larvae. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington, 5(4): 291

Moth Photographers Group - MPG

BOLD Systems - DNA sequenced specimens