Spragueia magnifica

Grote, 1883

magnificent bird dropping moth

Spragueia magnifica is a of in the Noctuidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. It is one of approximately 20 species in the Spragueia, a group commonly known as bird dropping moths due to their resemblance to avian . The species occurs in North America and is assigned Hodges number 9121 in the North American Moth Photographers Group numbering system. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be and attracted to light sources.

Spragueia magnifica by (c) Sue Carnahan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sue Carnahan. Used under a CC-BY license.Spragueia magnifica by (c) Sue Carnahan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sue Carnahan. Used under a CC-BY license.CATALOGUE-BM-PLATE CLXIX by Sir GEORGE F. HAMPSON, Bart.. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Spragueia magnifica: //sprəˈɡeɪ.iə mæɡˈnɪfɪkə//

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Identification

Members of the Spragueia can be distinguished from similar noctuid by their characteristic bird-dropping mimicry patterning. Within the genus, S. magnifica may be separated from by specific wing pattern elements, though precise diagnostic features require examination of specimens. The MONA/Hodges number 9121 provides a unique identifier for this in North American faunal works.

Images

Distribution

North America. Specific range details within this region are not well documented in available sources.

Human Relevance

The has been documented through citizen science platforms such as iNaturalist, with 294 observations recorded as of the knowledge cutoff. It is occasionally encountered during -lighting events and insect surveys.

Similar Taxa

  • Spragueia leoAnother member of the same with similar bird-dropping mimicry appearance; separation requires detailed examination of wing pattern and genitalia
  • Other Spragueia speciesApproximately 20 share the -defining bird-dropping camouflage strategy; -level identification relies on subtle pattern differences and dissection in most cases

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Sources and further reading