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Moths of the Lower Rio Grande Valley

LRGV Specialty Moths

These are moths that (according to the Moth Photographer's Group) are only found in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.  Disclaimer:  This collection is not comprehensive!

Window-winged Moths

A moth is sitting on a piece of wood.
A close up of a moth on a concrete surface

South Texas Dysodia (Dysodia n. sp.)

Published range maps imply that the Eyed Dysodia (D. oculatana) is the species that shows up in the LRGV, but Knudson & Bordelon (2008) say "Not so!"  These southernmost bugs have been determined to be a new yet undescribed species.  Both species have brown and gold spangling with a netted look, along with the translucent reniform spots on both forewing and hindwing that give these bugs their name, but the "South Texas" Dysodia seems to have a darker abdomen than most samples of Eyed Dysodia.  Recorded May to June, with one record in October.

Silk Moths

A moth is laying eggs on a white wall
A close up of a moth on a concrete surface

Blanchard's Silk Moth (Syssphinx blanchardi)

Both sexes are golden or straw-colored with slightly darker AM and ST areas, outlined by thin black borders. Males (right) have an obvious double white reniform spot, whereas the female (left) is duller and peppered, with a darker smudge in the reniform area. Note that the female is laying eggs! Recorded in May, July, and December.

A close up of a moth sitting on a leaf

Forbes' Silk Moth (Rothschildia lebeau forbesi)

This unmistakable giant silk moth has large translucent spots on all wings. Sources differ as to whether this is a full species, or simply a subspecies of the Lebeau's Silk Moth. Recorded once in September.

Prominents

A moth is sitting on a brick wall.
A close up of a moth on a wooden surface

Silvered Prominent (Didugua argentilinea)

This prominent is easily told by the white "waves" that run parallel to the costa and are accentuated by dark brown shading on the tan forewing. Recorded January to May, with records in November.

A moth is sitting on a concrete surface.

Glossy Prominent (Elymiotis notodontoides)


The white squares on the forewing median area of this otherwise relatively dull prominent give it the appearance of having two eyes and a nose on the back!  The double-dotted PM line and the black-bordered ochre bands (above the two "eyes" giving it a scowling look) are also apparent on the male (see photo by Bianca Banda here).  Recorded once in April.

Nolas

A close up of a moth on a white surface
A close up of a moth on a screen
A moth is sitting on a screen door.

Sprinkled Moth (Cephalospargeta elongata)


This pale, brindled moth has thick blackish AM and PM bands that become paler and more wavy towards the costa.  On worn individuals (left) a thin white line within the PM band may be more noticeable.  The reniform spots have a golden cast, and the ST area has thin, black streaks.  Recorded in July and August.