Cloaked Marvel - Hodges#9556
Chytonix palliatricula
This record describes Chytonix palliatricula (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Two forms, one with the large white patch covering most of the forewing, and the other without it. The form with the large white patch is less common. Specimen identified by DNA analysis: The form without the large white patch is very similar to Chytonix sensilis . See here for an explanation of the differences. Genitalia: ♀ ♂
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Elaphriini
- Genus
- Chytonix
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Includes eastern North America
Seasonal Activity
May-August
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larva feed on "gilled and pore-bearing mushrooms" per Wagner et al in Owlet Caterpillars of Eastern North America, 2011. Comes to bait and to light.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Chytonix palliatricula. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Cloaked Marvel - Hodges#9556 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Maury Heiman , Ted Kropiewnicki , dennepj10 , lee_penner , JoAnneRusso , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Cloaked Marvel - Hodges#9556
What is Cloaked Marvel - Hodges#9556?
Cloaked Marvel - Hodges#9556 (Chytonix palliatricula) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Cloaked Marvel - Hodges#9556?
Wingspan 2.8-3.3 cm
How do you identify Cloaked Marvel - Hodges#9556?
Two forms, one with the large white patch covering most of the forewing, and the other without it. The form with the large white patch is less common. Specimen identified by DNA analysis: The form without the large white patch is very similar to Chytonix sensilis . See here for an explanation of the differences. Genitalia: ♀ ♂
Where is Cloaked Marvel - Hodges#9556 found?
Range: Includes eastern North America
When is Cloaked Marvel - Hodges#9556 active?
Cloaked Marvel - Hodges#9556: seasonal activity - May-August.
What is the life cycle of a Cloaked Marvel - Hodges#9556?
Larva feed on gilled and pore-bearing mushrooms per Wagner et al in Owlet Caterpillars of Eastern North America, 2011. Comes to bait and to light.