Gondysia
Gondysia
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Noctuoidea
- Family: Erebidae
- Subfamily: Erebinae
- Tribe: Omopterini
- Genus: Gondysia
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Gondysia: //ɡɒnˈdɪsiə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Gondysia is a genus of moths within the family Erebidae, comprising four named species found in North America south of Mexico. Identification relies on specific characteristics of the PM line in adult moths.
Physical Characteristics
Adults can be identified by the PM line shapes, with one species, Gondysia similis, being lightly marked and potentially missing AM & PM lines.
Identification Tips
Examine the shape of the PM line: 2 arcs for Gondysia consobrina; 3 arcs for Gondysia smithii or Gondysia telma. Visual comparison may not suffice for the latter two without further evidence.
Habitat
Widespread in the southeastern USA.
Distribution
North America, specifically in areas south of Mexico.
Diet
Larvae of Gondysia species are known to feed on plant material, typical of generalist moth feeding habits.
Evolution
Formally recognized and categorized in 1955; previously categorized under different names such as Neadysgonia and related to the Old World genus Dysgonia.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Moths in Gondysia smithii and Gondysia telma may appear identical in photographs, requiring careful examination for proper identification.
Tags
- Lepidoptera
- Erebidae
- moths
- insect identification
- Gondysia