Protorthodes perforata
(Grote, 1883)
Protorthodes perforata is a small noctuid described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1883. The occurs across the southern United States and into central Mexico, with active during two distinct periods in spring and late summer through autumn. It is recognized by its pale gray forewings with contrasting dark spotting pattern.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Protorthodes perforata: /proʊtˈɔrθədiːz ˌpɝfəˈreɪtə/
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Identification
The combination of small size (12–14 mm forewing length), pale gray forewings with dark and spots outlined in pale, and dirty white hindwings with fuscous marginal shading distinguishes this from similar Protorthodes and related noctuine . The bimodal activity pattern may also aid identification.
Images
Appearance
Forewing length 12–14 mm. Forewings pale whitish gray to buffy gray, with darker gray and spots each outlined by a contrasting pale line. Hindwings dirty white with fuscous shading on margins and in both sexes.
Distribution
Southern United States from western Texas to southern California, southward to central Mexico.
Seasonality
on wing early April to early July, and again mid-August to late October. Bimodal pattern with spring and late summer-autumn .
More Details
Taxonomic History
Originally described as Trichopolia perforata by Grote in 1883; later transferred to Protorthodes. Catalogue of Life lists this as a synonym of Trichopolia perforata, while GBIF treats Protorthodes perforata as the accepted name.
Source Discrepancy
There is taxonomic disagreement between sources: GBIF recognizes Protorthodes perforata as accepted, while Catalogue of Life treats Trichopolia perforata as the accepted name with Protorthodes perforata as a synonym.