Doryodes reineckei
Lafontaine & Sullivan, 2015
A recently described in the Erebidae, known only from Spartina marshes along the US Gulf Coast from western Florida to eastern Texas. Described in 2015, it remains poorly known with only one iNaturalist observation recorded. The species is named in honor of USDA John P. Reinecke for his contributions to organ culture techniques and larval lepidopteran anatomy.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Doryodes reineckei: //dɔˈɾi.oˌdes ˈɾaɪnɛki//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Doryodes by the longitudinal stripe that is paler and less sharply defined, with its lower margin blending into the ground color rather than forming a distinct boundary. The more rounded margin also separates it from . The combination of Spartina marsh and Gulf Coast distribution further supports identification.
Appearance
pale to dark gray brown with darker forms appearing in colder months. Forewing length 15–17 mm in males, 17–20 mm in females. Distinguished by a longitudinal dark stripe that is paler and less sharply defined than in , with the lower margin blending gradually into the darker ground color below rather than forming a crisp edge. margin more rounded than in other Doryodes .
Habitat
Exclusively associated with Spartina marshes—coastal salt marshes dominated by cordgrass (Spartina spp.).
Distribution
US Gulf Coast from the western panhandle of Florida eastward to eastern Texas.
Seasonality
recorded from April to August; likely active year-round given the mild coastal climate of its range.
Similar Taxa
- Other Doryodes speciesD. reineckei differs in having a paler, less sharply defined longitudinal stripe with blended lower margin and more rounded margin.
More Details
Etymology
Named for John P. Reinecke, retired USDA who worked in Mississippi and developed organ culture techniques and detailed the anatomy of the of larval .
Conservation status
Not evaluated; extremely limited observation data with only one iNaturalist record suggests it may be genuinely rare, overlooked, or restricted to inaccessible marsh .