Feltia

Walker, 1856

Species Guides

11

Feltia is a of owlet moths in the Noctuidae, established by Francis Walker in 1856. The genus comprises approximately 18 described distributed primarily across North America, with some species extending into northern Eurasia. Several Feltia species are notable agricultural pests, with larvae commonly known as cutworms or armyworms that feed on a variety of crops. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with many species transferred from related genera such as Agrotis and Trichosilia based on morphological and molecular evidence.

Feltia tricosa by (c) brendanboyd, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Feltia mollis by (c) Doug Macaulay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Doug Macaulay. Used under a CC-BY license.Feltia manifesta by (c) Trevor Edmonson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Edmonson. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Feltia: /ˈfɛl.ti.ə/

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Distribution

North America, with some extending to northern Eurasia. Species occur across diverse latitudes from the Arctic (Feltia beringiana) to subtropical regions (Feltia floridensis).

Host Associations

  • Ambrosia artemisiifolia - plant for ovipositionFemales of some Feltia lay in flower buds; larvae migrate to ground to complete development as subterranean cutworms
  • Eupatorium - plant for ovipositionDocumented oviposition site for at least one
  • Helianthus annuus - nectar source visit extrafloral , but not known as oviposition site

Ecological Role

Larval stage functions as herbivore, with some acting as significant agricultural pests. serve as when visiting flowers for nectar. The serves as for , including ichneumonids such as Ceratogastra ornata.

Human Relevance

Several are economically important agricultural pests. Larvae (cutworms) damage crops by feeding on stems at soil level or tunneling into roots. Feltia subterranea and Feltia jaculifera are among the most destructive species. Management typically involves application and cultural practices.

Similar Taxa

  • AgrotisHistorically confused with Feltia; separation based on genitalic characters and molecular data
  • TrichosiliaFormerly included some Feltia ; Feltia nigrita was transferred from this

More Details

Taxonomic History

The has been substantially revised by J. Donald Lafontaine, with multiple new described in 1986 and 2004. Several species were transferred from Agrotis based on redefined generic boundaries.

Parasitoid Relationships

Feltia are documented for the ichneumonid Ceratogastra ornata, which oviposits into or newly-hatched larvae in flower buds.

Species Diversity

The includes 18 described : Feltia austrina, F. beringiana, F. boreana, F. evanidalis, F. floridensis, F. geniculata, F. herilis, F. inyoca, F. jaculifera, F. manifesta, F. mollis, F. nigrita, F. repleta, F. subgothica, F. subterranea, F. tricosa, F. troubridgei, and F. woodiana.

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