Euparthenos
Grote, 1876
locust underwing
Euparthenos is a in the Erebidae containing a single , Euparthenos nubilis ( underwing). The genus was erected by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1876. are -sized moths with distinctive -orange marked by four concentric black . The genus is to North America and closely related to the of genus .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Euparthenos: //juːˈpɑːrθɪnoʊs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The four concentric black on each immediately distinguish Euparthenos nubilis from similar of , which possess one to three bands at most. Color with altered patterns may require detailed examination for confident identification. resting on tree trunks with folded flat resemble bark; the hindwing pattern is only visible when wings are spread.
Images
Habitat
Associated with deciduous forests and woodlands where plants (Robinia , especially black ) occur. are frequently observed resting on tree trunks. Larval consists of foliage of host trees.
Distribution
North America: from Maine, Ontario and Quebec south to northern Florida, west to Nebraska and Arizona. Records from Vermont and other eastern US states.
Seasonality
are active from April to September. Two occur per year.
Diet
feed exclusively on Robinia ( trees), particularly black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). have been observed drinking juice from fermenting fruit.
Host Associations
- Robinia pseudoacacia - larval black
- Robinia - larval level association
Life Cycle
(two per year). Larval development occurs on Robinia plants. presumably occurs in soil or leaf litter, though specific details are not well documented. spans April through September.
Behavior
are and attracted to light. They rest on tree trunks during daylight hours with folded, concealing the brightly colored . When disturbed, adults may flash hindwings to startle . Adults seek out fermenting fruit for feeding.
Ecological Role
Larval on Robinia . serve as for including Ammophila nigricans, which provisions its nests with Euparthenos nubilis . Adults may contribute to through consumption of fermenting fruit.
Human Relevance
Minor economic significance; feed on black , a tree sometimes planted for timber, erosion control, and production. are occasionally encountered at lights and may be of interest to . The species is not considered a significant pest.
Similar Taxa
- CatocalaSimilar coloration, pattern, and resting posture on tree trunks; distinguished by having one to three (at most) black on versus four in Euparthenos
More Details
Taxonomic history
Previously classified in Catocalinae of , and in tribe Ophiusini of family Erebidae. The -level synonym Parthenos , 1823 is preoccupied by Parthenos Hübner, 1819.
Subspecies
Three recognized: E. n. nubilis (nominate), E. n. apache (Poling, 1901), and E. n. osiris (Barnes & Benjamin, 1926).
Predation by wasps
The Ammophila nigricans is a documented ; females hunt Euparthenos nubilis to provision their nest burrows. The wasp locates by touch rather than visual cues, as caterpillars are cryptic and motionless during daylight hours.