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Zotheca

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Zotheca
Zotheca tranquilla
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Noctuoidea
Family: Noctuidae
Subfamily: Xyleninae
Tribe: Xylenini
Subtribe: Cosmiina
Genus: Zotheca
Grote, 1874

Zotheca is a monotypic genus of moths of the family Noctuidae. It contains one species: Zotheca tranquilla, or the elder moth. It is found in western North America.[1][2]

Description

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Adult elder moths are usually pale green, although some tan specimens have been recorded. The forewings are light green with darker green markings. The hindwings are white.[2] Adults are on wing in the summer.[2][3]

Larva have a pattern of yellow, black, and purple.[2]

Habitat and host plant

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Elder moths are found in riparian habitats and moist forest habitats. The larvae feed on Sambucus (elderberry) plants.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Lafontaine, Donald; Schmidt, Christian (2010-03-19). "Annotated check list of the Noctuoidea (Insecta, Lepidoptera) of North America north of Mexico". ZooKeys. 40: 1–239. doi:10.3897/zookeys.40.414. ISSN 1313-2970.
  2. ^ a b c d e "PNW Moths | Zotheca tranquilla". pnwmoths.biol.wwu.edu. Retrieved 2023-04-21.
  3. ^ Pohl, Greg; Anweiler, Gary; Schmidt, Christian; Kondla, Norbert (2010-03-05). "An annotated list of the Lepidoptera of Alberta, Canada". ZooKeys. 38: 1–549. doi:10.3897/zookeys.38.383. ISSN 1313-2970.
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