Dysschema centenaria
| Dysschema centenaria | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Superfamily: | Noctuoidea |
| Family: | Erebidae |
| Subfamily: | Arctiinae |
| Genus: | Dysschema |
| Species: | D. centenaria
|
| Binomial name | |
| Dysschema centenaria (Burmeister, 1878)
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Dysschema centenaria is a species of moth in the family Erebidae, subfamily Arctiinae, and tribe Pericopini. It was first described by the German entomologist Hermann Burmeister in 1878. This species is known to occur in parts of South America, including Argentina and Uruguay.[1]
Taxonomy and Classification
Dysschema centenaria belongs to the genus Dysschema, which contains numerous species predominantly found in the Neotropical realm. The genus is part of the tribe Pericopini within the subfamily Arctiinae.[2] The group is known for its diversity and mimicry behavior, and its classification has been supported by both morphological and molecular data.[3]
Description
Although detailed morphological descriptions of D. centenaria are limited, species within the Dysschema genus are characterized by large wingspans, bold coloration, and often striking patterns, which serve as a defense mechanism via aposematism. Males and females can differ in appearance, exhibiting sexual dimorphism.[4] A general pattern for the genus includes orange, black, and white coloring on the wings, though variation occurs between species.[5]
Distribution and Habitat
Dysschema centenaria is found in Argentina and Uruguay, primarily in subtropical and temperate habitats.[1] These moths are typically associated with forest edges, open areas, and regions rich in herbaceous vegetation, which support their larval host plants.[6]
Behavior and Ecology
Like other members of the Erebidae family, D. centenaria is presumed to be nocturnal and phototactic, commonly attracted to light sources at night. The larval host plants for this species have not been specifically recorded, but related Dysschema caterpillars feed on a variety of plant families including Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Apocynaceae.[7] These moths often play ecological roles as pollinators and as prey for bats and birds.
Conservation Status
As of 2025, Dysschema centenaria has not been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and there are no specific conservation actions targeted at this species. However, habitat degradation through agricultural expansion and urbanization may affect its local populations.[8] Moth diversity in the Southern Cone is under-researched, and species like D. centenaria could benefit from regional biodiversity monitoring.
References
- ^ a b Savela, Markku. "Dysschema centenaria (Burmeister, 1878)". Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
- ^ Vincent, Benoît; Laguerre, Michel (2020). "Catalogue of the Neotropical Arctiini Leach, [1815] (Insecta, Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae)". Zoosystema. 42 (14): 171–239. doi:10.5252/zoosystema2020v42a14.
- ^ Zahiri, Reza (2011). "Molecular phylogenetics of Erebidae (Lepidoptera, Noctuoidea)". Systematic Entomology. 36 (1): 103–124. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3113.2010.00544.x.
- ^ Toulgoët, Hervé de (1991). Faune de Madagascar: Noctuelles Arctiidae (in French). Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle.
- ^ Watson, Allan (1962). "A revision of the genus Dysschema Hübner (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)". Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Entomology. 10 (8): 267–338.
- ^ Beccacece, Hernán M. (2019). "Butterfly and moth biodiversity of northeastern Argentina". Zootaxa. 4668 (1): 1–47. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.4668.1.1.
- ^ Conner, William E. (2009). "Tiger Moths and Woolly Bears: Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution of the Arctiidae". Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195327373.
- ^ New, Tim R. (2015). "Butterfly Conservation in South America". Journal of Insect Conservation. 19: 253–264. doi:10.1007/s10841-015-9754-7.