Givira
Givira n-sp is an undescribed species of carpenter in the Cossidae, collected from the white gypsum dunes of White Sands National Monument, New Mexico. The moth exhibits a distinctive satiny-white wing appearance with few or no dark markings, distinguishing it from most of its North American relatives in the . It was discovered during a ten-year moth fauna study conducted by Eric H. Metzler beginning in 2007. The specimen presented challenges for study due to greasy filled with fatty tissue, requiring careful degreasing of for examination.
Identification
Distinguished from most North American by its predominantly white wing coloration without dark markings; only four Givira in the region share this substantially white appearance. Greasy in preserved specimens may indicate this species. Formal identification requires comparison with related species after degreasing of .
Habitat
White gypsum dune environment
Distribution
Known only from White Sands National Monument, Otero County, New Mexico, USA
Human Relevance
Subject of a 2017 eBay auction by the Western National Parks Association where the highest bidder received naming rights; the winning bidder chose to name a related described Givira delindae after his mother
Similar Taxa
- Givira delindaeDescribed congeneric from same locality with similar satiny-white wing appearance; one of only four substantially white North American Givira species
- Other North American Givira speciesMost relatives are dark-colored or have substantial dark smudges on forewings, unlike the pale Givira n-sp
More Details
Collection History
Discovered in 2007 during the first year of a ten-year fauna study at White Sands National Monument by Eric H. Metzler
Preservation Challenges
Pinned specimens become greased due to fatty abdominal tissue, requiring careful brushing of for proper study