Philagraula slossoniae
Hulst, 1896
Slosson's Scoopwing Moth
Philagraula slossoniae, commonly known as Slosson's Scoopwing , is a small moth in the Uraniidae, Epipleminae. The was described by George D. Hulst in 1896 and is native to North America. It belongs to a group of moths characterized by distinctive wing modifications. The specific epithet honors a person with the surname Slosson, likely an entomologist or collector of the era.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Philagraula slossoniae: //ˌfɪləˈɡraʊlə slɒˈsoʊni.aɪ//
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Identification
The scoop-shaped notch on the hindwing margin distinguishes this from most other Lepidoptera. Within Uraniidae, it can be separated from the related Epiplema by genitalic characters and wing venation patterns, though these require microscopic examination. The specific identity of P. slossoniae versus requires reference to original description or .
Images
Distribution
Recorded from North America; precise range boundaries are not well documented in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Epiplema spp.Other scoopwing moths in Uraniidae with similar hindwing modifications; distinguished by genitalic and wing venation characters.
- Other Philagraula species within the same ; require detailed morphological comparison to separate.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The placement has varied historically; Uraniidae is currently accepted following molecular phylogenetic studies, though some older treatments placed Epipleminae in separate families.
Etymology
The specific epithet 'slossoniae' honors an individual named Slosson, likely Annie Trumbull Slosson (1838-1926), an American entomologist and author who was active in the late 19th century.