Stamnodes deceptiva - Hodges#7355

Very closely similar to S. fervefactaria , but usually found at lower elevations and apparently not ranging so far northward nor eastward. Averaging smaller in size. Light coloring variable in hue, but most commonly prevalently orange, and often distinctly pinkish (especially below). Pattern variable, but front wing with light markings near apex normally forming roughly a V shape, with arms separated to near a very wide base and without a distinct trunk below the diverging arms; with outer arm much the narrower and usually distinctly irregular along outer margin, but rarely (if ever?) absent; costa at base of wing gray. Hind wing with large dark zone near costa on outer half of wing smaller, vertically narrower than tall (crossing axis of wing). Specimens from central Texas are much like both S. deceptiva & S. fervefactaria , but seem to represent a distinct taxon from both. [ note by D.J. Ferguson ] As of October 14, 2012, Bold Systems samples under the name of Stamnodes fervefactaria are a mix of two or perhaps three species. Those from Arizona (Cochise & Santa Cruz Counties), and the one labeled as JLB-0127 & JLB-0273, are S. deceptiva ; those from Colorado (El Paso County) are S. fervefactaria ; while those from Sonora are most like S. fervefactaria , but have a distinct wing shape with slightly different pattern, and may represent a third species, or perhaps a subspecies. The same specimens are referenced here These are all clearly very closely related, and DNA samples will likely be very similar, and perhaps not separable by barcode methods. Specimens images duplicated under both the names S. fervifactaria and S. deceptiva at 'Moth Photographer's Group are by wing pattern characters referable to S. deceptiva .