Tarache major

(Smith, 1900)

Tarache major is a of bird dropping in the , Acontiinae. The species was described by Smith in 1900 and is also known by the synonym Acontia major. It is assigned Hodges number 9152 in the North moth numbering system. Like other members of the Tarache, it likely exhibits cryptic coloration resembling bird droppings as a defensive .

CATALOGUE-BM-PLATE CLXXI by Sir GEORGE F. HAMPSON, Bart.. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tarache major: /taˈɾa.ke ˈma.jor/

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

Identification

Members of the Tarache are recognized as bird dropping due to their cryptic coloration and patterning that mimics avian . Tarache major can be distinguished from similar by its specific pattern and coloration, though detailed diagnostic features require examination of specimens. The is part of the Acontiinae , which contains many similarly cryptically colored species. Accurate identification to species level typically requires reference to dissection or comparison with documented specimens.

Images

Distribution

The distribution of Tarache major is not explicitly documented in the available sources, but as a member of the Tarache and with North Hodges numbering, it is presumed to occur in North America. The broader genus Tarache has distributed across the Americas.

Similar Taxa

Tarache delectaBoth are members of the Tarache in Acontiinae, sharing similar bird-dropping coloration and patterning. Tarache delecta is known to feed on Hibiscus as , while associations for T. major are not documented.
Tarache areloidesAnother bird dropping in the same with similar cryptic appearance, illustrated in field observations from New Mexico. Both share the characteristic shape and posture associated with bird-dropping .
Acontia spp.Tarache major was formerly classified under the Acontia (as Acontia major), and in both genera share similar and defensive coloration patterns typical of the Acontiinae .

More Details

Taxonomic History

Tarache major has undergone taxonomic revision, with GBIF currently listing it as a synonym under the Acontia as Acontia major, while other sources including iNaturalist and Catalogue of Life maintain it under Tarache. This reflects ongoing taxonomic uncertainty or differing treatments of the Tarache/Acontia generic boundaries within the Acontiinae.

Hodges Number

The is assigned MONA ( of North America) or Hodges number 9152, a standardized numbering system used for North identification and cataloging.