Species Tolype notialis - Small Tolype - Hodges#7674

7674

Tolype notialis Franclemont, 1973

Wingspan 26-39 mm (1); male considerably smaller than female

Adult: wide dark band on hindwing is wavy, almost interrupted, compared to uniform band of Large Tolype. Forewing subterminal band also wavy, with alternating pinched and expanded sections. Small Tolype coloration is variable, but often very dark, compared to the more uniform gray of Large Tolype.

Southeastern US, from Florida to Virginia (based on the fascicle). Many northern records online are likely misidentified T. laricis.

Presumably southern Pine forests.

Adults fly mostly May-October (MPG)

Larvae feed on leaves of coniferous trees.

Large Tolype (Tolype velleda) is larger, more uniformly gray, forewing subterminal band is less wavy and lacks alternating pinched and expanded sections.

Larch Tolype (Tolype laricis) is smaller and has a more northern distribution. Males of this species are darker than T. notialis, but females are similar in color and are best identified by range or association with males.

Cuss Covell p. 53, plate 8 (1)

Franclemont, J.G. 1973. Moths of America North of Mexico, Fascicle 20.1: 94 pp. (2)

Moth Photographers Group - MPG