Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Zale colorado (Smith, 1908)
Phaeocyma colorado Smith, 1908
* phylogenetic sequence #931051
Size
Forewing length 1.7-2 cm.
(1)Identification
See original description linked under print references below. Key characteristics include: AM line even brown band, only a little irregular outwardly; beyond AM line is a whitish/pale area merging gradually into darker outer portion of median space (male always, females sometimes); no orbicular spot; reniform spot uniformly dark brown; the forewing ST space is darker throughout, however above there is a noticeably pale section just past midway going from the inner margin to costa.
(2)Range
Colorada, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona.
(1)
Smith (1908) included Texas
(2)Habitat
R. Holland found the species from 4200' to 9200' in New Mexico.
(1)Season
Two broods from April to August, much more abundant from May to June.
(1)Food
Larval hosts are oaks, especially
Quercus gambelii.
(1)See Also
Zale rubiata has a reniform spot that is only dark edged and has a pale outer line that can encircle it. Also, the ST area of
rubiata does not exhibit a pale section before widening at the costa as is seen in typical
colorado.
Print References
Smith, J.B. 1908. A Revision of some species of Noctuidae heretofore referred to the genus
Homoptera Boisduval. Proceedings of the United States National Museum 35:
263-265 (2)
