Zale declarans
Walker, 1858
Dixie Zale Moth
Zale declarans, commonly known as the Dixie Zale , is a of owlet moth in the Erebidae. It occurs in North America and is one of numerous Zale species that serve as caterpillars for , particularly the sphecid wasp Ammophila nigricans. The species was originally described by Francis Walker in 1858 under the name declarans.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Zale declarans: /ˈzeɪli dɪˈklɛrænz/
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Images
Distribution
North America
Host Associations
- Ammophila nigricans - Sphecid that provisions nests with Zale caterpillars as food for its larvae
Ecological Role
Larval for ; caterpillars are captured and paralyzed by female Ammophila nigricans wasps to provision underground nest for wasp offspring.
Similar Taxa
- Other Zale species Zale contains numerous similar-looking owlet moths; specific distinguishing features of Z. declarans not documented in available sources