Psaphida
Walker, 1865
Psaphida is a of in the , established by Francis Walker in 1865. in this genus are primarily North , with most distributed across the eastern and central United States and southern Canada. One species, P. palaearctica, occurs in Shaanxi, China. The genus includes early spring-emerging species such as Roland's Sallow (P. rolandi), which has been documented to exhibit extended pupal lasting up to seven years.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Psaphida: //ˈsæfɪdə//
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Distribution
Eastern and central North America, with records from southern Canada (Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba) through the northeastern, midwestern, and southeastern United States, extending west to Texas, Kansas, and the Dakotas. One , P. damalis, occurs in California and Colorado. P. palaearctica is known from Shaanxi Province, China.
Seasonality
of multiple emerge in early spring, with some appearing as early as February in southern states. periods typically end by May or June. Roland's Sallow (P. rolandi) has been observed from February through May in the southern United States.
Host Associations
- Quercus - larval Only known plants for P. rolandi ; may feed high in and are seldom encountered
Life Cycle
Pupal has been documented in P. rolandi, with individuals remaining in the pupal stage for up to seven years, presumably as an to unfavorable conditions. One per year for P. rolandi.
Behavior
are attracted to artificial light sources at night. of P. rolandi may feed high in the , making them difficult to encounter.
Similar Taxa
- OrthosiaBoth are early spring-emerging with similar periods; Orthosia such as O. hibisci have diets on deciduous trees and shrubs rather than specific oak associations
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was erected by Francis Walker in 1865 with Psaphida resumens as the . The tribe Psaphidini was established to accommodate this and related genera within the Amphipyrinae.
Species diversity
Eight are currently recognized: P. resumens, P. thaxterianus, P. rolandi, P. grandis, P. electilis, P. styracis, P. damalis, and P. palaearctica. The latter, described in 2010, represents the only known Palearctic occurrence of the .