Neoprocris floridana

Tarmann, 1984

Laurelcherry Smoky Moth

Neoprocris floridana is a small zygaenid to the southeastern United States, described by Tarmann in 1984. The is primarily known from Florida, with rare records from Alabama and North Carolina. Its reflects a presumed association with laurelcherry (Prunus caroliniana), though direct observations of larval feeding remain limited. The moth belongs to the forester moth Procridinae, a group characterized by activity and often aposematic coloration.

Neoprocris floridana by no rights reserved, uploaded by mikoikoi. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neoprocris floridana: /neɪ.oʊˈprɒkrɪs flɒrɪˈdænə/

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Habitat

Associated with laurelcherry (Prunus caroliniana) stands; specific microhabitat preferences for are not documented. The plant occurs in various southeastern forest types including maritime forests, sandhills, and mixed hardwood hammocks, suggesting potential breadth where the host is present.

Distribution

Primarily recorded in Florida, with exceptional records from Lee County, Alabama and Aberdeen, North Carolina. The disjunct records suggest possible or broader occupancy across the southeastern Coastal Plain where Prunus caroliniana occurs, though confirmed remain sparse outside Florida.

Diet

Presumed to feed on laurelcherry (Prunus caroliniana) based on specific epithet and , though this association has been inferred rather than confirmed through direct observation of larval feeding.

Host Associations

Prunus caroliniana - presumed plantAssociation inferred from and specific epithet; direct larval feeding observations not documented in available sources.

More Details

Taxonomic history

Described by Tarmann in 1984, making it a relatively recently recognized . The Neoprocris was established to accommodate species formerly placed in Procris, reflecting refined understanding of zygaenid .

Data limitations

Despite being the subject of a 12-page UF/IFAS fact sheet, detailed biological information remains scarce in publicly available sources. Most records derive from citizen science observations rather than systematic surveys.