Norape tener

(Druce, 1897)

Mesquite Stinger Moth

Norape tener is a flannel in the Megalopygidae, described by Herbert Druce in 1897. The "mesquite stinger moth" refers to the larval plants and the defensive stinging hairs possessed by caterpillars in this . are small white moths with distinctive dark markings on the wings and . The occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Norape tener: //ˈnɔɹəpi ˈtɛnɛɹ//

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Identification

distinguished from other Norape by the specific wing pattern: broad brown-black costal edge on forewings with matching marginal and fringe coloration, and the distinctive branch of the inner border reaching to the at 2 origin. The small size (29 mm wingspan) and southwestern distribution help separate it from similar white flannel moths in other regions. Larvae with black and white striping on green background differ from the all-white or differently patterned larvae of related species such as Norape ovina.

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Habitat

Desert and semi-arid environments. Associated with mesquite, acacia, paloverde and other desert vegetation that serve as larval plants.

Distribution

Southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and Mexico.

Diet

Larvae feed primarily on mesquite (Prosopis), acacia, paloverde (Parkinsonia), and other desert plants.

Host Associations

  • mesquite - larval primary
  • acacia - larval
  • paloverde - larval

Ecological Role

Larvae are herbivores on desert leguminous trees and shrubs. Stinging hairs provide defense against .

Human Relevance

Larvae possess stinging hairs that can cause skin irritation upon contact. The "stinger " reflects this defensive capability. Not a significant agricultural pest despite feeding on mesquite and related plants.

Similar Taxa

  • Norape ovinaAlso a white flannel moth with stinging larvae, but occurs in eastern and central North America rather than the Southwest; larvae are white rather than green with black and white stripes.

More Details

Etymology

The epithet "tener" is derived from Latin "tenera" meaning soft, likely referring to the soft, flannel-like appearance of the .

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Sources and further reading