Oslaria pura - Hodges#9792
Oslaria pura
This record describes Oslaria pura (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The nocloine prothoracic tarsal segments, the triangular frontal process, the comb of enlarged spines on the prothoracic tarsal segments, and the off-white and obscure maculation of the forewing will identify this species. The forewing of [Oslaria] pura is an off white color. Maculation is nearly absent and consists mostly of a series of small, black dots representing the antemedial postmedial lines. A very vague median line is present, but near invisible. The reniform mark is visible in most specimens, but again is nearly invisible. The hindwing is pure white and slightly lightly than the forewing. The frontal process is distinctive and consists of a heavy, filled triangular process with the apex of the triangle pointing upward. A row of large spines projects from the outer margins of the first four tarsal segments of the prothoracic leg. The first tarsal segment has four spines, and the following three one spine each .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Amphipyrinae
- Tribe
- Psaphidini
- Genus
- Oslaria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
"This species is known primarily from southern Arizona, particularly Cochise, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Pinal counties. It has also been collected in Mohave county in western Arizona." MPG also includes records from New Mexico and west Texas .
Seasonal Activity
Primarily August .
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Unknown .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: This species was placed in Oslaria by Barnes & McDunnough, but does not belong there. It requires a new genus according to Robert Poole.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Oslaria pura. 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 Oslaria pura - Hodges#9792 (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kyhl Austin; Additional contributions by Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Oslaria pura - Hodges#9792
What is Oslaria pura - Hodges#9792?
Oslaria pura - Hodges#9792 (Oslaria pura) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Oslaria pura - Hodges#9792?
Forewing length: 12-13.5 mm .
How do you identify Oslaria pura - Hodges#9792?
The nocloine prothoracic tarsal segments, the triangular frontal process, the comb of enlarged spines on the prothoracic tarsal segments, and the off-white and obscure maculation of the forewing will identify this species. The forewing of [Oslaria] pura is an off white color. Maculation is nearly absent and consists mostly of a series of small, black dots representing the antemedial postmedial lines. A very vague median line is present, but near invisible. The reniform mark is visible in most specimens, but again is nearly invisible. The hindwing is pure white and slightly lightly than the forewing. The frontal process is distinctive and consists of a heavy, filled triangular process with the apex of the triangle pointing upward. A row of large spines projects from the outer margins of the first four tarsal segments of the prothoracic leg. The first tarsal segment has four spines, and the following three one spine each .
Where is Oslaria pura - Hodges#9792 found?
Range: This species is known primarily from southern Arizona, particularly Cochise, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Pinal counties. It has also been collected in Mohave county in western Arizona. MPG also includes records from New Mexico and west Texas .
What does Oslaria pura - Hodges#9792 eat?
The diet of the Oslaria pura - Hodges#9792 includes Unknown ..
When is Oslaria pura - Hodges#9792 active?
Oslaria pura - Hodges#9792: seasonal activity - Primarily August ..