Cecrita lunata
(Edwards, 1884)
Cecrita lunata is a in the Notodontidae, the prominents. It was first described by Henry Edwards in 1884 and is found in the western United States and Mexico. The species was transferred from the Heterocampa to Cecrita in 2021 based on published research. It has been assigned Hodges number 7993 in the North American moth numbering system.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cecrita lunata: /ˈsɛk.rɪ.ta luːˈnɑː.ta/
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Identification
Formerly placed in Heterocampa; distinguished from other Cecrita by genitalic and molecular characters that supported its generic transfer in 2021. Specific external diagnostic features are not documented in available sources.
Images
Distribution
Western United States and Mexico.
Similar Taxa
- Cecrita guttivittaFormerly also classified in Heterocampa; both transferred to Cecrita in the same 2021 taxonomic revision, making them congeneric relatives.
- Heterocampa obliquaFormerly congeneric with C. lunata; both were prominent moths historically placed in Heterocampa before the 2021 split.
More Details
Taxonomic history
This was moved from Heterocampa to Cecrita in 2021 following phylogenetic research. The Heterocampa was found to be polyphyletic, leading to reclassification of multiple species.