Argyrostrotis deleta

Guenée, 1852

Ruined Chocolate

Argyrostrotis deleta is a small in the Erebidae, historically placed in Noctuidae. It occurs in the southeastern United States from Virginia south to Florida and Texas. The has a wingspan of 20–24 mm. It is known by the "Ruined Chocolate."

Argyrostrotis deleta2 by James Sullivan, Research Collection of J. B. Sullivan. Used under a Copyrighted free use license.Argyrostrotis deleta (41816719864) by Melissa McMasters from Memphis, TN, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Argyrostrotis deleta (19872934481) by Melissa McMasters from Memphis, TN, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Argyrostrotis deleta: /ɑːrˌdʒɪr.oʊˈstrɒtɪs dɪˈliːtə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from by geographic range and, when available, genitalic characters. The specific epithet "deleta" (Latin for "destroyed" or "erased") may reference wing pattern features, though this is not confirmed in sources. Formal identification keys for Argyrostrotis are not provided in available material.

Images

Appearance

Small with wingspan 20–24 mm. Detailed coloration and pattern not documented in available sources.

Distribution

Southeastern United States: Virginia south to Florida and Texas.

Similar Taxa

  • Argyrostrotis spp.Other in the share similar size and general ; specific characters for distinguishing A. deleta from require detailed examination.

More Details

Taxonomic Note

This was historically classified in Noctuidae but is now placed in Erebidae based on modern phylogenetic revisions of the Noctuoidea.

Sources and further reading