Nelphe carolina

(H. Edwards, 1887)

little Carol's wasp moth, Florida eucereon

Nelphe carolina is a in the Arctiinae, first described by Henry Edwards in 1887. It is known from southern Texas, Florida, Mexico, and Cuba. have a wingspan of 31–34 mm and have been recorded on wing year-round. The larvae feed on Cynanchum species. The species is also known as the Florida eucereon or little Carol's moth, and is currently placed in the Nelphe, though it was formerly treated under Eucereon.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nelphe carolina: /ˈnɛl.fe kəˈroʊ.lɪ.nə/

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Distribution

Southern Texas, Florida, Mexico, and Cuba.

Seasonality

have been recorded on wing year-round.

Diet

Larvae feed on Cynanchum .

Host Associations

Cynanchum - larval food plant

Similar Taxa

Eucereon speciesFormerly classified under Eucereon; Nelphe carolina was moved to Nelphe based on morphological and phylogenetic distinctions, though specific differentiating characters are not detailed in available sources.

More Details

Taxonomic history

This was originally described as Eucereon carolina by Henry Edwards in 1887. GBIF indicates the current accepted placement is in the Nelphe, with Eucereon carolina listed as a synonym. The genus Nelphe was established to accommodate species formerly placed in Eucereon that show distinct morphological features.

Common name usage

The 'Florida eucereon' reflects its historical classification in Eucereon and its occurrence in Florida. 'Little Carol's ' appears to be a more recently applied common name.