Psaphida styracis
Guenée, 1852
Fawn Sallow
Psaphida styracis, commonly known as the fawn sallow, is a noctuid native to eastern North America, with an introduced in the United Kingdom. The exhibits a single per year, with active in early spring. Larvae are oak , feeding on Quercus species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Psaphida styracis: /ˈpsæ.fɪ.də stɪˈræ.sɪs/
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Identification
Distinguished from by timing (March–May) and geographic distribution. Similar to Psaphida rolandi (Roland's Sallow), which also has oak-feeding larvae and early spring , but P. styracis has been introduced to the United Kingdom while P. rolandi remains restricted to North America.
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Habitat
Associated with oak forests and woodlands where plants occur.
Distribution
Native to eastern North America; introduced and established in the United Kingdom.
Seasonality
fly from March to May, with exact timing depending on location. One per year.
Diet
Larvae feed on Quercus (oak) . feeding habits not documented.
Host Associations
- Quercus - larval food plantspecific oak not identified in sources
Life Cycle
One per year. stage not explicitly documented for this , though related Psaphida species overwinter as pupae.
Ecological Role
Larval herbivore on oaks; contributes to nutrient cycling in deciduous forest .
Human Relevance
Accidentally introduced to the United Kingdom, likely through human transport. No known economic significance.
Similar Taxa
- Psaphida rolandiBoth are early-spring noctuids with oak-feeding larvae and similar , but P. rolandi is restricted to North America (eastern Great Plains to Atlantic and Gulf coasts) and has not been introduced to Europe.
More Details
Taxonomic History
Originally described as Taeniocampa styracis by Guenée in 1852, later transferred to Psaphida.
Introduction to UK
One of several North American noctuid established in the United Kingdom, likely through accidental importation.