Pyromorpha caelebs
Blanchard, 1972
Pyromorpha caelebs is a of in the Zygaenidae, currently treated as a synonym of Pyromorpha dimidiata in major taxonomic databases. The species was described by Blanchard in 1972. Members of this are known as "leaf-skeletonizer moths" and participate in Müllerian mimicry complexes with net-winged beetles (family Lycidae).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pyromorpha caelebs: /pɪˈroʊmɔrfə ˈseɪlɛbz/
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Taxonomic status
Pyromorpha caelebs is listed as a synonym of Pyromorpha dimidiata (Herrich-Schäffer, 1854) in Catalogue of Life and GBIF. The name has been used in 33 iNaturalist observations, but these records likely represent misidentifications or outdated rather than a distinct biological entity.
Related species biology
The related and currently recognized Pyromorpha dimidiata (orange-patched smoky moth) has black and orange forewings with a distinctive black hind margin, contains hydrogen cyanide in all life stages, and has larvae that feed on leaf litter especially oak leaves. are active in spring, distinguishing them phenologically from similar-looking Lycomorpha pholus which appears in late summer.