Haploa colona
Hübner, 1802
colona moth
Haploa colona is a in the Erebidae, first described by Jacob Hübner in 1802. It is distributed across the southeastern and south-central United States. The species has three recognized : H. c. colona, H. c. fulvicosta, and H. c. conscita. wingspan ranges from 40–58 mm.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Haploa colona: /ˈhæploʊ ə ˈkoʊləˌnə/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Haploa by geographic distribution and, for H. c. fulvicosta, by the yellowish-orange costal region of the forewing. Subspecies H. c. conscita differs in pattern details. Specific diagnostic features for separating H. colona from such as H. clymene and H. confusa require examination of or detailed wing pattern analysis.
Images
Habitat
associations are not explicitly documented. Based on distribution, likely occupies open woodlands, forest edges, and grassy areas in subtropical to temperate regions.
Distribution
Southeastern Virginia south to Florida and west to Texas. H. c. fulvicosta occurs in New Jersey, Kansas, and Texas; H. c. conscita distribution not specified beyond original description.
Seasonality
period not documented in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Haploa clymeneSimilar in same ; both have banded or patterned forewings. H. clymene is more widespread and better known, with feeding on Eupatorium .
- Haploa confusaSimilar appearance and ; have been observed on Penstemon digitalis. Geographic overlap in parts of range.
- Haploa leconteiAnother member of Haploa with similar ; requires careful examination for separation.
More Details
Subspecies
Three recognized: Haploa colona colona (nominate), H. c. fulvicosta (Clemens, 1860) with yellowish-orange forewing , and H. c. conscita (Walker, 1865). Subspecific validity and diagnostic characters require further study.
Taxonomic History
Originally described as Bombyx colona by Hübner in 1802 (or 1803 in some sources). Transferred to Haploa as was refined. Formerly placed in , now treated as Arctiinae within Erebidae.