Pseudorgyia

Harvey, 1875

Species Guides

Pseudorgyia is a of in the Erebidae, Calpinae. It was established by Harvey in 1875. The genus contains multiple distributed primarily in North America. are generally small to medium-sized moths with relatively plain coloration compared to some related genera.

Pseudorgyia russula by (c) Sue Carnahan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sue Carnahan. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pseudorgyia russula 153740107 by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pseudorgyia versuta 39566230 by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pseudorgyia: //suˌdɔrˈdʒaɪə//

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Identification

Pseudorgyia can be distinguished from the superficially similar Orgyia (tussock moths) by less pronounced tufting on the and , and generally more subdued color patterns. The genus lacks the dense hair tufts characteristic of true tussock moths. Male are bipectinate (feather-like), while female antennae are (thread-like).

Images

Distribution

North America, with records from the United States and southern Canada.

Similar Taxa

OrgyiaOrgyia is a closely related of tussock moths with similar overall body plan but distinguished by dense defensive hair tufts and more contrasting color patterns. Orgyia larvae are also notable for their dense setae, which Pseudorgyia larvae lack.

More Details

Taxonomic placement

Pseudorgyia has been variously placed in different over time but is currently classified in Erebidae, Calpinae, based on molecular and morphological evidence. It was historically associated with the tussock moths (Lymantriinae, now also in Erebidae) due to superficial resemblance.