Diurnal-moth
Guides
Trichodezia
white-striped black (for T. albovittata)
Trichodezia is a genus of geometrid moths in the subfamily Larentiinae, described by Warren in 1895. The genus contains at least five described species distributed in North America. One species, Trichodezia albovittata, is notable for being exclusively diurnal while retaining functional hearing organs, a trait that challenges assumptions about the evolutionary fate of anti-bat defenses in day-flying moths.
Trichodezia albovittata
white-striped black moth, White-striped Black
A small geometrid moth with a distinctive black-and-white pattern. Adults are exclusively diurnal, an unusual trait among geometrids. The species retains functional hearing organs despite its daytime activity, representing an evolutionary puzzle of sensory persistence without apparent predation pressure from bats.
Triprocris lustrans
Triprocris lustrans is a species of forester moth in the family Zygaenidae, described by William Beutenmüller in 1894. It belongs to the subfamily Procridinae, a group of diurnal moths often characterized by metallic coloration and aposematic warning patterns associated with chemical defenses. The genus Triprocris comprises North American species, and T. lustrans represents one of the less documented members of this group. Like other zygaenids, it is presumed to be chemically defended, though specific studies on this species are limited.
Triprocris yampai
Triprocris yampai is a species of forester moth in the family Zygaenidae, described by Barnes in 1905. It belongs to a genus of small, diurnal moths known for their metallic coloration and association with specific host 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 sequestration.
Utetheisa ornatrix
Ornate Bella Moth, Bella Moth, Rattlebox Moth, Ornate Moth
Utetheisa ornatrix is a diurnal moth distinguished by its aposematic coloration ranging from pink, red, orange, and yellow to white with black markings. The species has a wingspan of 33–46 mm and is found from the southeastern United States through Central America to South America. Larvae specialize on Crotalaria species (Fabaceae), sequestering toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that render them unpalatable to predators. The species exhibits complex mating behavior including female polyandry, nuptial gift transfer, and pheromone-mediated mate choice.
Zenodoxus mexicanus
Zenodoxus mexicanus is a clearwing moth (family Sesiidae) described by Beutenmüller in 1897. The genus Zenodoxus belongs to the subfamily Tinthiinae, a group of sesiid moths characterized by their wasp-mimicking appearance and diurnal activity patterns. This species occurs in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with the specific epithet suggesting a Mexican distribution. Clearwing moths in this family are typically associated with woody plants, with larvae often boring into stems or roots.