Neocataclysta magnificalis
Hübner, 1796
Scrollwork Pyralid Moth
Neocataclysta magnificalis, the scrollwork pyralid moth, is the sole in its . It is a small crambid distributed across eastern North America, from Florida north to Maine and Nova Scotia, and west to Ontario and Ohio. The species has been recorded in coastal and inland regions, with active during warmer months. The refers to the intricate wing patterns resembling scrollwork.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neocataclysta magnificalis: //niː.oʊ.kəˈtæk.lɪ.stə mægˌnɪf.ɪˈkeɪ.lɪs//
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Identification
Identified by the complex, scroll-like wing patterns that give the its . As the only species in Neocataclysta, it can be distinguished from other Acentropinae by this unique patterning combined with its eastern North American distribution. Similar small crambids in the region generally lack such elaborate wing markings.
Habitat
Recorded in diverse across its range including coastal areas and inland locations. Specific microhabitat preferences are not documented.
Distribution
Eastern North America: United States (Florida, Georgia, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Vermont) and Canada (Nova Scotia, Ontario).
Seasonality
active during warmer months; specific period not documented in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Other Acentropinae speciesSimilar size and general crambid , but distinguished by the unique scrollwork wing pattern of N. magnificalis
- Unpatterned or simply-patterned CrambidaeLack the intricate wing markings characteristic of this
More Details
Taxonomic note
Neocataclysta is a ; N. magnificalis is its only described .