Pitcher-plant-specialist

Guides

• Exyra

  Pitcher Plant Moths

  Exyra is a genus of moths in the family Noctuidae commonly known as pitcher plant moths. Species in this genus are specialists associated with pitcher plants (Sarracenia), with larvae feeding on and developing within these carnivorous plants. The genus includes species such as E. rolandiana, E. ridingsii, and E. semicrocea, which have been documented in bog habitats across eastern North America.

  pitcher-plant-specialistbog-habitatcarnivorous-plant-associatefire-influenced-habitat-selection

• Exyra ridingsii

  Ridings' Pitcherplant Moth, Riding's Pitcherplant Looper Moth

  Exyra ridingsii is a small noctuid moth specialized on pitcher plants (Sarracenia). Adults are active in spring and have a wingspan of 24–31 mm. The species is named after James Ridings and is one of several Exyra species that have evolved to exploit pitcher plant habitats.

  pitcher-plant-specialistwetlandherbivorespring-mothSarracenia

• Exyra semicrocea

  Pitcher Plant Mining Moth

  Exyra semicrocea, commonly known as the Pitcher Plant Mining Moth, is a small noctuid moth specialized on pitcher plants in the genus Sarracenia. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States coastal plain, where it completes its entire life cycle within pitcher plant pitchers. Its larvae are miners that feed internally on pitcher plant tissue, making this one of the few moth species adapted to this unusual habitat.

  NoctuidaePlusiinaepitcher-plant-specialistmining-mothSarraceniawetlandsoutheastern-United-Statesendophagousbog-habitat