Zale metata

Smith, 1908

Washed-out and Black-eyed Zale Moths and Allies

Zale metata is a in the Erebidae, part of the diverse owlet moth group. The belongs to a commonly known as the "Washed-out and Black-eyed Zale Moths and Allies." Larvae of Zale moths have been documented as for the Ammophila nigricans, a large sphecid wasp that provisions its nests with caterpillars. The specific epithet "metata" was established by Smith in 1908, with the species originally described under the basionym Phaeocyma metata.

Zale metata by J.Gill, Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.CATALOGUE-BM-PLATE CCXXX by Sir GEORGE F. HAMPSON, Bart.. Used under a Public domain license.Zale metata1 by J.Gill, Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Zale metata: //ˈzeɪli mɛˈtɑːtə//

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Distribution

North America, with presence confirmed in the eastern United States. The Zale is broadly distributed across North America.

Ecological Role

Documented for the Ammophila nigricans, which captures caterpillars to provision its underground nests. This relationship places Z. metata within a involving sphecid wasps as and potential regulators.

Similar Taxa

  • Zale (other species)The Zale contains multiple similar that may be difficult to distinguish without detailed examination; specific diagnostic features for Z. metata relative to are not documented in available sources.

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Sources and further reading