Panthea gigantea
French, 1890
Giant Panthea Moth
Panthea gigantea is a large noctuid native to western North America. It is recognized as the largest New World in its , with females occasionally exceeding 60 mm in wingspan. The species inhabits warmer, drier regions across a broad latitudinal range from British Columbia to Mexico.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Panthea gigantea: /ˈpænθiə dʒaɪˈɡæntiə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Panthea by its substantially larger size; females in particular may exceed 60 mm wingspan. The specific epithet 'gigantea' reflects this size differential. Within its western North American range, it is the largest member of the .
Images
Appearance
Large-bodied noctuid with females notably larger than males. Wingspan exceeds 60 mm in some females, making this the largest New World Panthea . Specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Warmer and drier regions of western North America, including open woodlands, grasslands, and scrub .
Distribution
Western North America from south-central British Columbia south to Durango, Mexico, and from the Black Hills of South Dakota, western Nebraska, and the Texas Panhandle west to Washington, Oregon, and coastal California.
Similar Taxa
- Other Panthea speciesP. gigantea is distinguished by its larger size; other New World Panthea are smaller on average.
More Details
Nomenclatural history
Originally described as Platycerura gigantea French, 1890; later transferred to Panthea.