Genus Patalene

Classification · Numbers · Remarks

Patalene olyzonaria, Juniper Twig Geometer Moth. I'm fairly certain this id is correct; if not, please let me know. - Patalene olyzonaria - male

Juniper Twig Geometer - Patalene olyzonaria

Patalene olyzonaria - Juniper-twig Geometer - Patalene olyzonaria

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Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Subphylum Hexapoda (Hexapods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)

Superfamily Geometroidea (Geometrid and Swallowtail Moths)

Family Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)

Subfamily Ennominae

Tribe Ourapterygini

Genus Patalene

Numbers

Nearctica.com lists 3 spp.

Remarks

Patalene is apparently an ancient Greek geographic term referring to a region of the Indus Delta, what is now called the Lower Sindh, part of modern-day Pakistan. Patalene was a region of (then) India conquered by the Greeks under Alexander the Great. (This is based on Internet searches.)

The connection with the moth seems quite obscure. Wild speculation: the pattern of the moth might resemble a map of the region. The prominent feature is the Indus River, and the line on the moth's wings might resemble a river on a map.

Contributed by Cotinis on 29 October, 2004 - 9:09pm
Last updated 17 December, 2004 - 8:55pm

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