Apantesis margo

(Schmidt, 2009)

Margo's Tiger Moth

Apantesis margo is a tiger moth in the Erebidae, described by Schmidt in 2009. It was originally placed in the Grammia but transferred to Apantesis in a taxonomic revision that consolidated several related genera. The is restricted to grassland and transitional in the north-central United States and adjacent regions, with activity concentrated in late spring. The specific epithet honors the author's wife.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Apantesis margo: /əˈpæn.tɛ.sɪs ˈmɑr.ɡoʊ/

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Identification

The combination of small size (forewing length ~12.3 mm), dark forewings with pale buff transverse bands, and yellow-orange hindwings with black markings separates this from other Apantesis in its range. The hindwing coloration is duller (yellow-orange) compared to some related species that may show brighter orange or red. Specimen identification may require examination of genitalia or reference to original description.

Habitat

Grassland and transitional on the northern Great Plains and Southern Rocky Mountain Front ranges.

Distribution

Northern Great Plains and Southern Rocky Mountain Front ranges, south to east-central Arizona. Records are concentrated in the north-central United States and adjacent mountain foothills.

Seasonality

are on wing from early May to mid-June.

Similar Taxa

Apantesis phalerataOverlaps in range and ; differs in wing pattern details and hindwing coloration.
Apantesis partheniceSympatric in Great Plains grasslands; generally larger with different forewing banding pattern.
Grammia species (former congeners)Formerly classified in the same ; similar overall but separated by genitalic and molecular characters.

More Details

Taxonomic History

Originally described as Grammia margo Schmidt, 2009. Transferred to Apantesis along with all of Grammia, Holarctia, and Notarctia based on phylogenetic and morphological studies.

Etymology

The specific epithet 'margo' honors the wife of the author, B. Christian Schmidt.

Conservation Status

Not formally assessed; restricted to specific grassland that are subject to agricultural conversion and development pressures.