Hodges#8287

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Horama panthalon: /hɔˈraː.ma panˈtaː.lon/

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Summary

Horama panthalon, commonly known as the Texas wasp moth, is a moth of the subfamily Arctiinae, first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1793. It mimics paper wasps and is distributed in various regions, including the southern United States and parts of Central and South America. The species has a wingspan of 32–34 mm and exhibits sexual dimorphism primarily in its physical appearance, particularly in male tibial feathering.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan is 32–34 mm. Abdomen is purplish/brown/black with many orange rings. Hind legs are black and orange with large feathering on the tibiae (primarily seen in males). Antennae are black with orange tips. Thorax and head are black with orange and white markings.

Identification Tips

Mimics paper wasps (Polistes species). Note distinct coloration patterns: black body with orange rings and orange-tipped antennae, as well as feathered hind legs in males.

Habitat

Commonly found on flowers, especially Eupatorium.

Distribution

Found from central Texas to South America, with records of strays from Arizona to Florida. The subspecies have specific ranges in South America, Central America, Mexico, and the southern United States.

Diet

Adults nectar from flowers; larval food plants are unrecorded but have been noted on Wislizenia refracta and occasionally on Desert Yaupon (Schaefferia cuneifolia).

Similar Taxa

• Polistes species (paper wasps)

Misconceptions

It is often thought that only males have tufts of hair-like scales on the tibiae, but verification is needed as both sexes may exhibit this feature.

Tags

• Lepidoptera
• Moths
• Arctiinae
• Texas Wasp Moth
• Horama panthalon