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]

Zotheca
Zotheca tranquilla
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Noctuoidea
Family: Noctuidae
Subfamily: Xyleninae
Tribe: Xylenini
Subtribe: Cosmiina
Genus: Zotheca
Grote, 1874

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.
edit