Chelis brucei
(Edwards, 1888)
Bruce's tiger moth
Chelis brucei, commonly known as Bruce's , is a of tiger moth in the Erebidae. Described by Henry Edwards in 1888, this is restricted to mountainous regions of western North America. are active during a brief period in mid-summer, while have been documented feeding on a limited set of plants. The species was transferred from the Neoarctia to Chelis as part of a broader taxonomic reorganization of tiger moth genera.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chelis brucei: /ˈkɛl.ɪs ˈbruː.si.aɪ/
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Identification
Distinguished from related by its restricted western North mountain distribution and specific timing (early July to early August). length of 16–17 mm provides a measurable character. Formerly classified under Neoarctia, now placed in Chelis based on phylogenetic revision. Accurate identification may require examination of or molecular markers, as visual similarity to other Chelis is likely.
Images
Appearance
length 16–17 mm. Specific coloration and pattern details not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Montane environments including northern Cascade Mountains, southern British Columbia Coast Range, mountains of Vancouver Island, and Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Wyoming. Specific elevational range not documented.
Distribution
to western North America. Documented from: northern Cascade Mountains (Washington), southern British Columbia Coast Range, Vancouver Island mountains, and Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Wyoming. No records outside this range.
Seasonality
on from early July to early August. recorded in mid-June, indicating earlier seasonal activity for stages.
Diet
feed on Phacelia sericea (silky phacelia) and Taraxacum officinale (common dandelion). feeding habits unknown.
Host Associations
- Phacelia sericea - larval Documented larval
- Taraxacum officinale - larval Documented larval
Life Cycle
Larval stage present in mid-June. occurs by early July, with period extending to early August. timing and stage not documented. Complete duration unknown.
Behavior
No specific behavioral observations documented beyond period and larval feeding records.
Ecological Role
Larval ; contributes to montane as for . Specific ecological functions not studied.
Human Relevance
No documented economic or cultural significance. Subject of basic taxonomic and distributional research.
Similar Taxa
- Other Chelis speciesFormerly classified together under Neoarctia; share western North montane distributions and similar . Require detailed examination for separation.
- General Arctiinae tiger mothsSimilar overall appearance; distinguished by specific geographic range, size, and period.
More Details
Taxonomic History
Originally described as Arctia brucei by Edwards in 1888. Later transferred to Neoarctia. Reclassified to Chelis in 2016 following molecular phylogenetic studies that merged Holoarctia, Neoarctia, and Hyperborea into Chelis (Rönkä et al., 2016).