Tarache quadriplaga is a species of moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by Smith in 1900. It belongs to the group commonly known as "bird dropping moths," so named for their cryptic coloration that resembles bird droppings, which serves as a form of camouflage against predators.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Noctuoidea
- Family: Noctuidae
- Subfamily: Acontiinae
- Genus: Tarache
- Species: T. quadriplaga
- Binomial name: Tarache quadriplaga (Smith, 1900)
Synonyms
- Tarache alessandra (Smith, 1903)
Distribution The species is found in North America.
Description and Behavior As a member of the bird dropping moth group, Tarache quadriplaga exhibits coloration and patterning that mimics bird droppings, a defensive adaptation that reduces predation. The specific epithet quadriplaga is derived from Latin, meaning "four patches," likely referring to distinct markings on the wings. The species is part of the subfamily Acontiinae within the large and diverse family Noctuidae (owlet moths).
References
- "Tarache quadriplaga report". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
- "Tarache quadriplaga". GBIF. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
- "Tarache quadriplaga species information". BugGuide. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
