Baileya
Grote, 1895
Desert Marigolds
Species Guides
7- Baileya acadiana
- Baileya australis(Small Baileya Moth)
- Baileya dormitans(Sleeping Baileya Moth)
- Baileya doubledayi(Doubleday's Baileya Moth)
- Baileya ellessyoo
- Baileya levitans(Pale Baileya Moth)
- Baileya ophthalmica(Eyed Baileya Moth)
Baileya is a of in the Nolidae, Risobinae, established by Grote in 1895. The genus includes commonly known as 'desert marigolds,' a name shared with an unrelated plant genus of the same name. The moths are found in North America, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The genus name creates potential for confusion with Baileya (Asteraceae), a genus of desert wildflowers.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Baileya: /ˈbaɪliə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Baileya can be distinguished from other nolid moths by their association with the 'desert marigolds,' though this name is shared with the unrelated plant Baileya (Asteraceae). Accurate identification to level requires examination of genitalia and wing pattern details. The genus is placed in Risobinae based on morphological characteristics including wing venation and abdominal structure.
Images
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions including desert scrub, grasslands, and open woodlands. Associated with vegetation where plants occur.
Distribution
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Records from Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and adjacent Mexican states.
Behavior
are and attracted to ultraviolet light sources. Larval unknown.
Human Relevance
The shared 'desert marigolds' with the plant Baileya (Asteraceae) creates potential confusion in ecological and biodiversity databases. The have no known economic importance.
Similar Taxa
- Baileya (Asteraceae)Unrelated plant sharing identical and 'desert marigolds.' The plant genus comprises and herbs in the sunflower , native to the same general region (southwestern North America). The homonymy can cause data errors in biodiversity databases and literature searches.
More Details
Nomenclatural Note
The name Baileya has been used for both a genus (Grote, 1895, Nolidae) and a plant genus (Asteraceae). This homonymy is permitted under nomenclatural codes because the names apply to different kingdoms (Animalia vs. Plantae). However, it creates practical challenges for information retrieval and data integration. The moth genus authorship is Grote, 1895; the plant genus authorship is Harvey & A. Gray ex A. Gray, 1849.
Taxonomic Placement
The is classified in Risobinae of Nolidae. This placement reflects morphological characteristics and phylogenetic relationships within the Noctuoidea. The family Nolidae was historically treated as a subfamily of Noctuidae but is now recognized as a distinct family in modern classifications.