Phaloesia
Walker, 1854
saucy beauty moth
Species Guides
1- Phaloesia saucia(Saucy Beauty)
Phaloesia is a of tiger moths in the Erebidae, containing only the Phaloesia saucia. The genus was described by Francis Walker in 1854. are active nearly year-round and have been documented feeding on nectar from specific flowering plants. The genus occurs from southern Texas through Central America to northern South America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phaloesia: /fæˈliːʒiə/
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Images
Distribution
Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, United States, south through Central America to Venezuela.
Seasonality
are on wing nearly year-round.
Diet
feed on nectar from Chromolaena odorata, Aloysia gratissima, and Sabal mexicana. Larvae feed on Tournefortia , including Tournefortia volubilis.
Host Associations
- Chromolaena odorata - nectar source
- Aloysia gratissima - nectar source
- Sabal mexicana - nectar source
- Tournefortia volubilis - larval food plant
Misconceptions
Phaloesia fulvicollis was previously and incorrectly listed as a synonym of Gnophaela aequinoctialis.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The and its sole were first described by Francis Walker in 1854. The genus remains with no additional species described.