Psychomorpha
Psychomorpha
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Noctuoidea
- Family: Noctuidae
- Subfamily: Agaristinae
- Genus: Psychomorpha
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Psychomorpha: /ˌsaɪkoʊˈmɔrfə/
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Summary
Psychomorpha is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae, with its only species being the grapevine epimenis, which is known for its striking coloration and association with grapevines.
Physical Characteristics
The wings and body are black with a large white forewing patch and a red hindwing patch. The wingspan ranges from 2.2 to 2.7 cm.
Identification Tips
Look for the distinctive large white forewing patch and red hindwing patch.
Habitat
This moth may be encountered in woodlands, woodland edges, and hedgerows.
Distribution
Found in eastern North America as far west as the Oklahoma Panhandle; also present in southern Ontario.
Diet
The larva feeds on various species of grapevine.
Life Cycle
The larva is black with transverse white stripes and has reddish orange coloration in specific areas. The pupa hibernates in wood or dense peat. It has one brood per year.
Ecosystem Role
As a herbivore, the larvae play a role in controlling plant populations, particularly of grapevines.
Evolution
Psychomorpha is a monotypic genus, meaning it contains only the species Psychomorpha epimenis.
Tags
- moth
- Psychomorpha
- Lepidoptera
- Noctuidae
- grapevine epimenis