{{short description|Species of moth}} {{taxobox | name = Agyrta dichotoma | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Arthropoda | classis = Insecta | ordo = Lepidoptera | familia = Erebidae | subfamilia = Arctiinae | genus = [[Agyrta]] | species = A. dichotoma | binomial = Agyrta dichotoma | binomial_authority = Herrich-Schäffer, [1855] }} ''Agyrta dichotoma'' is a species of moth belonging to the family [[Erebidae]], specifically within the subfamily [[Arctiinae]] (commonly known as tiger moths and allies). It was scientifically described by the German entomologist [[Gottlieb August Wilhelm Herrich-Schäffer]] in [1855].
Description and Characteristics
Like many members of the genus [[Agyrta]], Agyrta dichotoma is characterized by its robust body, which often displays metallic iridescent coloration, typically shades of blue or green. The forewings are generally dark, frequently black or dark brown, and are marked with prominent white or creamy-yellow patterns, often forming distinct bands or patches. The hindwings may be less patterned or uniformly dark. These moths are part of the "tiger moth" group, a diverse assemblage known for their often striking and sometimes aposematic (warning) coloration, which can deter predators.Distribution
Agyrta dichotoma is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions of [[South America]]. Its known geographical distribution includes:- [[Brazil]] (with records from areas such as Rio de Janeiro)
- [[Peru]]
- [[Ecuador]]
- [[Bolivia]] It inhabits forest environments within these countries.
Ecology
Specific details regarding the life cycle, host plants, and precise ecological interactions of Agyrta dichotoma are not extensively documented in widely accessible literature. However, like other members of the Arctiinae subfamily, its larval stage (caterpillar) is likely herbivorous, potentially feeding on a variety of plants (polyphagous). Adult moths are typically nocturnal and are often attracted to artificial light sources.Taxonomy
The genus ''Agyrta'' was established by [[Jacob Hübner]] in [1819]. Historically, species now classified within the subfamily Arctiinae were placed in a separate family, [[Arctiidae]]. However, modern molecular phylogenetic studies have led to the reclassification of Arctiinae as a subfamily within the larger family Erebidae, reflecting closer evolutionary relationships.References
- {{cite web |url=https://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/data/lepindex/detail/?group=genus&val=Agyrta&searchtype=contains&searchterm=&sort=genus&family=&subfamily=&tribe=&species=&author=&year=&status=&type=&locality=&identifier=&page=1 |title=The Global Lepidoptera Names Index (LepIndex) |publisher=Natural History Museum, London |access-date=2023-11-20}}
- {{cite web |url=https://www.nic.funet.fi/pub/sci/bio/life/insecta/lepidoptera/ditrysia/noctuoidea/erebidae/arctiinae/agyrta/index.html |title=Agyrta at funet.fi |publisher=Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and some other life forms |access-date=2023-11-20}}
- {{cite web |url=https://www.gbif.org/species/1815152 |title=Agyrta dichotoma Herrich-Schäffer, [1855] |publisher=GBIF.org |access-date=2023-11-20}}