Comachara
Franclemont, 1939
Comachara is a in the Erebidae ( Arctiinae, tribe Lithosiini) containing a single , Comachara cadburyi, commonly known as Cadbury's lichen moth. The genus was established by John G. Franclemont in 1939 based on distinctive morphological features. The sole species occurs in eastern North America, with records from Alabama to New York and west to Texas.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Comachara: //ˌkoʊməˈkæɹə//
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Identification
The Comachara is distinguished from related lithosiine genera by the combination of structural features described in Franclemont's 1939 original description. As a genus, identification relies on the unique characteristics of C. cadburyi, including wing pattern and genitalic that warranted separate generic status from superficially similar .
Distribution
Eastern North America: recorded from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.
Human Relevance
Named for Cadbury, presumably reflecting the collector or patron associated with the ; no other documented human interactions.
Similar Taxa
- Other Lithosiini generaComachara was separated from related based on distinct wing venation and genitalic characters; superficially similar in the tribe may share lichen-moth appearance but differ in structural details.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described in the Phalaenidae (now obsolete), Sarrothripinae. Later transferred to (now Arctiinae within Erebidae). The original description appeared in Entomological News 50(8): 216–218.
Etymology
The specific epithet 'cadburyi' honors Cadbury; the name Comachara appears to be derived from Greek elements, though Franclemont did not explicitly state the etymology in the original description.