Chloridea subflexa

Guenée, 1852

Subflexus Straw Moth

Chloridea subflexa is a noctuid first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. It is the of the tobacco budworm (Chloridea virescens), from which it is distinguished by plant specialization. The is notably rare compared to its widespread and feeds exclusively on ground cherry (Physalis spp., Solanaceae). It has been recorded across a broad geographic range from the United States through the Antilles to Argentina.

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.

Heliothis virescens – Tobacco Budworm Moth (14513510378) by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chloridea subflexa: //klɔːˈriːdiə ˌsʌbˈflɛksə//

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

Identification

Closely resembles Chloridea virescens (tobacco budworm) in general . Distinguished by genitalia characteristics and, more practically, by larval plant association: C. subflexa larvae feed exclusively on Physalis (ground cherry, Solanaceae), whereas C. virescens is a broad on numerous crop and ornamental plants. require dissection or molecular analysis for definitive identification.

Images

Habitat

Associated with supporting its plant Physalis (ground cherry). In the United States, this includes disturbed areas, agricultural fields, and open woodlands where Solanaceae weeds occur. The ' distribution throughout the Antilles and South America suggests adaptability to tropical and subtropical conditions where Physalis grows.

Distribution

United States (most of the range), throughout the Antilles, and south to Argentina. The MONA or Hodges number is 11070.

Diet

Larvae feed exclusively on ground cherry ( Physalis, Solanaceae). This narrow specialization contrasts sharply with its Chloridea virescens, which feeds on numerous plants across multiple families.

Host Associations

Physalis - larval plantexclusive ; in Solanaceae

Similar Taxa

Chloridea virescens nearly identical in external appearance; distinguished by genitalia and larval plant specificity (C. virescens is a pest of cotton, tobacco, and numerous ornamentals, while C. subflexa is restricted to Physalis)

More Details

Taxonomic note

Chloridea subflexa was previously placed in the Heliothis, but molecular and morphological studies supported its transfer to Chloridea alongside C. virescens. The two form a well-supported clade of with dramatically different ecological breadths.

Rarity

Described as "quite rare" relative to C. virescens by lepidopteran experts, likely due to its specialized plant requirements and more restricted associations.