Chloridea

Duncan [& Westwood], 1841

Species Guides

Chloridea subflexa(Subflexus Straw Moth)
Chloridea virescens(Tobacco Budworm Moth)

Chloridea is a of owlet moths in the Noctuidae, Heliothinae. The genus was reinstated as valid in 2013 based on molecular and morphological research, having previously been considered a synonym of Heliothis. It contains at least three described , including the agriculturally significant Chloridea virescens (tobacco budworm ). The taxonomic status of Chloridea remains contested, with some sources continuing to treat it as a synonym of Heliothis.

Chloridea virescens by (c) Nick Block, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nick Block. Used under a CC-BY license.

Chloridea subflexa P1150338a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Heliothis subflexa after hatching by ElegantElegans. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chloridea: /ˌklɔːrɪˈdiːə/

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

Identification

Chloridea can be distinguished from related Heliothis by a combination of genitalic and molecular characters that supported the 2013 generic reinstatement. The specific diagnostic characters are technical and require examination of genitalia structures.

Images

Distribution

Records indicate presence in the United States, including Vermont. The likely has a broader distribution in North America given the range of included , but precise documentation is limited by ongoing taxonomic debate.

Human Relevance

Chloridea virescens, the tobacco budworm , is a significant agricultural pest whose larvae feed on tobacco, cotton, and other crops. This has been successfully controlled using Bt cotton in the United States and Mexico, representing one of the documented successes of transgenic crop technology against native pests.

Similar Taxa

HeliothisChloridea was historically synonymized under Heliothis and remains treated as synonymous by some authorities. The 2013 reinstatement separated Chloridea based on phylogenetic and morphological data, but the distinction requires specialized examination.

More Details

Taxonomic instability

The Chloridea has undergone recent taxonomic revision. A 2013 study reinstated Chloridea as a valid genus, transferring three from Heliothis: Chloridea subflexa, C. tergemina, and C. virescens. However, iNaturalist and some other sources continue to list Chloridea as a synonym of Heliothis, reflecting ongoing disagreement in the literature.

Species composition

The contains three recognized : Chloridea subflexa (subflexus straw moth), Chloridea tergemina, and Chloridea virescens (tobacco budworm ). These were all formerly placed in Heliothis.