Lychnosea
Grote, 1883
Species Guides
2- Lychnosea helveolaria
- Lychnosea intermicata(Speckled Lamplighter)
Lychnosea is a of in the Geometridae, Ennominae, erected by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. The genus contains two recognized : Lychnosea helveolaria and Lychnosea intermicata. Both species are found in North America. As members of the Geometridae, these moths are characterized by the typical 'inchworm' larval form of the family.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lychnosea: //lɪkˈnoʊsiə//
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Identification
Lychnosea can be distinguished from related geometrid by genitalic characters, particularly in male specimens. The two species, L. helveolaria and L. intermicata, differ in wing pattern and coloration; L. helveolaria has been described with paler, more yellowish forewings compared to L. intermicata. Accurate identification to species level generally requires examination of specimens.
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Distribution
North America. Lychnosea helveolaria occurs in the western United States and Canada, while Lychnosea intermicata has a broader distribution across eastern and central North America.
Similar Taxa
- Other Ennominae generaMany Ennominae share similar wing shapes and resting postures; genitalic dissection is often required for definitive separation from Lychnosea.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by Grote in 1883, with Lychnosea helveolaria (originally described as Boarmia helveolaria by Hulst in 1881) as the type . Lychnosea intermicata was transferred to the genus from the genus Boarmia (now defunct in this context) where it was originally described by Walker in 1862.