Ectypia clio
Packard, 1864
Clio Tiger Moth, Clio Moth
Ectypia clio is a in the Erebidae, described by Packard in 1864. It occurs in lowland areas of the western and southwestern United States, where are active from late spring through early August. The is notable for its larval association with (Asclepias). Two are recognized: E. c. clio and E. c. jessica.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ectypia clio: //ɛkˈtɪpiə ˈklioʊ//
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Identification
are small with 15–20 mm in length. are readily identified by their uniformly black coloration and hairy covering. The may be distinguished from other western Ectypia by geographic range and larval association with Asclepias.
Images
Habitat
Lowland areas, particularly along creeks and rivers. Also occurs in agricultural and urban environments.
Distribution
Western and southwestern United States: California, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, and from southwestern to western Nebraska and Texas.
Seasonality
on from late spring to early August.
Diet
feed on Asclepias (). diet not documented.
Host Associations
- Asclepias - larval feed on multiple Asclepias .
Life Cycle
with larval stage feeding on . Specific details of , pupal, and stages not documented.
Ecological Role
Larval on ; may sequester cardiac glycosides from plants for chemical defense, as occurs in other milkweed-feeding .
Human Relevance
Occurs in agricultural and urban areas, suggesting of disturbed . No significant economic impacts documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other Ectypia speciesGeographic separation and larval help distinguish E. clio from .
- Other milkweed-feeding tiger moths (e.g., some Cycnia, Lophocampa)Larval coloration and hair differ; size and pattern vary.
More Details
Subspecies
Two recognized: Ectypia clio clio and Ectypia clio jessica (Barnes, 1900).
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Seirarctia clio by Packard in 1864; later transferred to Ectypia.