Annaphila
Grote, 1873
Species Guides
15- Annaphila abdita
- Annaphila arvalis
- Annaphila astrologa
- Annaphila casta
- Annaphila danistica
- Annaphila decia(orange flash)
- Annaphila depicta(rusty-barred annaphila)
- Annaphila diva(white annaphila)
- Annaphila divinula
Annaphila is a of owlet moths in the Noctuidae, erected by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. The genus comprises approximately 24 described distributed in western North America. Members are notable for being day-flying , a trait uncommon among Noctuidae. At least one species, Annaphila astrologa, has been documented using whispering bells (Emmenanthe penduliflora) as a larval plant.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Annaphila: /ænəˈfaɪlə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Day-flying distinguishes Annaphila from most other noctuid , which are primarily . The belongs to the tribe Annaphilini within Stiriinae. Specific identification to level requires examination of genitalia and wing pattern details; several species form complexes (e.g., lithosina-casta) that are difficult to separate visually.
Images
Habitat
Grassland and open in western North America; at least one has been observed in gardens.
Distribution
Western North America, including California and surrounding regions.
Seasonality
active in spring; Annaphila astrologa has been observed in March in California.
Host Associations
- Emmenanthe penduliflora - larval whispering bells; documented for Annaphila astrologa
Behavior
Day-flying activity pattern, in contrast to the predominantly of most noctuid .
Similar Taxa
- Other NoctuidaeMost noctuid are ; Annaphila can be distinguished by their activity.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1873. Several were described by H. Edwards in the 1870s-1890s, with additional species described by Rindge & Smith (1952), Barnes & McDunnough (1918), and others. Recent additions include Annaphila scurlockorum (Sala & Mustelin, 2006).
Research status
studies remain preliminary for many . Field investigations on the Lithosina-Casta complex were conducted as groundwork for future studies, and larval plants have been documented for only a few species.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Silkworm Moths, Blacklighting, Hot Chocolate, Cookies and More | Bug Squad
- Bug Squad
- A larval host plant for Annaphila lithosina with notes on the species (Noctuidae: Amphipyrinae)
- Field Investigations Preliminary to Life History Studies on the Lithosina-Casta complex of the genus Annaphila
- Distributional Patterns of Selected Western North American Insects: Distributional Patterns of Certain Members of the Noctuid Genus Annaphila (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)