Hodges#8596

Cissusa valens

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Noctuoidea
Family: Erebidae
Subfamily: Erebinae
Tribe: Melipotini
Genus: Cissusa
Species: valens

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cissusa valens: /ˈsɪs.ju.sə ˈveɪ.lɛnz/

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Summary

Cissusa valens, also known as the vigorous cissusa moth, is a species of moth in the family Erebidae, found in North America, particularly from Utah to Arizona.

Physical Characteristics

The wingspan of Cissusa valens is about 42 mm. Larvae can grow up to 40 mm in length.

Identification Tips

Adults can be identified by their wingspan and patterns typical of the genus Cissusa.

Habitat

Primarily found in areas with Quercus (oak) species, as this is the larval host.

Distribution

Ranges from Utah east to Colorado, south to western Texas, and west to Arizona.

Diet

Larvae feed on Quercus species (oak).

Life Cycle

Adults have been recorded on wing from March to September.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in the ecosystem as both a herbivore (as larvae) and as a prey species for various predators.