Triprocris yampai
Barnes, 1905
Triprocris yampai is a of forester in the Zygaenidae, described by Barnes in 1905. It belongs to a of small, moths known for their metallic coloration and association with specific plants. The species is documented from a limited number of observations, suggesting restricted distribution or low detectability. Like other members of Procridinae, it likely possesses chemical defenses derived from larval host plant .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Triprocris yampai: //traɪˈproʊkrɪs ˈjæmpaɪ//
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Identification
Members of Triprocris can be distinguished from similar zygaenid by forewing venation with three separate radial (R1, R2+3, R4+5) rather than the more common two-branched pattern. Specific identification of T. yampai requires examination of genitalic characters, particularly the male valvae and female signum, as described in the original . The species name references the Yampai region of Arizona, indicating type locality association.
Distribution
Type locality in Yampai, Arizona, USA. The appears to have a restricted range in the southwestern United States based on available specimen records.
Similar Taxa
- Triprocris albescensSimilar southwestern distribution and appearance; distinguished by genitalic and subtle differences in wing pattern.
- Acoloithus speciesOther Procridinae with metallic forester appearance; Acoloithus have different forewing venation with only two radial branches.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Triprocris was revised by Tarmann (2004), who confirmed the placement of T. yampai within the Procridini based on and larval .
Conservation status
Not evaluated by IUCN; limited observation records suggest data deficiency regarding status.