Zotheca

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Zotheca
Zotheca tranquilla
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Family:
Genus:
Zotheca

Grote, 1874

Zotheca is a monotypic genus of moths of the family Noctuidae. It contains one species: Zotheca tranquilla, or the elder moth. It is found in western North America.[1][2]

Description[edit]

Adult elder moths are usually pale green, although some tan specimens have been recorded. The forewings are light green with darker green markings. The hindwings are white.[2] Adults are on wing in the summer.[2][3]

Larva have a pattern of yellow, black, and purple.[2]

Habitat and host plant[edit]

Elder moths are found in riparian habitats and moist forest habitats. The larvae feed on Sambucus (elderberry) plants.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Lafontaine, Donald; Schmidt, Christian (2010-03-19). "Annotated check list of the Noctuoidea (Insecta, Lepidoptera) of North America north of Mexico". ZooKeys. 40: 1–239. doi:10.3897/zookeys.40.414. ISSN 1313-2970.
  2. ^ a b c d e "PNW Moths | Zotheca tranquilla". pnwmoths.biol.wwu.edu. Retrieved 2023-04-21.
  3. ^ Pohl, Greg; Anweiler, Gary; Schmidt, Christian; Kondla, Norbert (2010-03-05). "An annotated list of the Lepidoptera of Alberta, Canada". ZooKeys. 38: 1–549. doi:10.3897/zookeys.38.383. ISSN 1313-2970.

External links[edit]