Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Erebidae
- Subfamily: Arctiinae
- Genus: Tessellota Walker, 1855
- Species: Tessellota cancellata (Walker, 1865)
Authority
The species was first described by the British entomologist Francis Walker in 1865 under the original combination Lithosia cancellata. It was later transferred to the genus Tessellota.
Description
Tessellota cancellata is a moth characterized by a wingspan of approximately 30–35 mm. The forewings exhibit a distinctive lattice‑like (cancellate) pattern of brown and grey markings, from which the specific epithet “cancellata” (Latin for “latticed”) is derived. The hindwings are generally paler, with reduced patterning.
Distribution and Habitat
The species is known from the Neotropical region, with confirmed records from Brazil (particularly the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro) and adjacent areas of Paraguay and northern Argentina. It inhabits tropical and subtropical forested environments, where adults are typically active at night and attracted to light sources.
Biology
Adults have been collected throughout the warmer months, suggesting multiple generations per year in suitable habitats. Detailed information on larval host plants and life‑cycle specifics for T. cancellata remains limited.
Etymology
The generic name Tessellota is derived from the Latin tessella, meaning “small tile” or “mosaic,” likely referring to the patterned appearance of the moths in this group. The species epithet cancellata means “latticed” in Latin, describing the characteristic wing markings.
References
- Walker, F. (1865). List of the Specimens of Lepidopterous Insects in the Collection of the British Museum, Vol. 31. British Museum (Natural History).
- Savela, Markku. “Tessellota.” Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms. Accessed 2024.
- Pitkin, B.; Jenkins, P. (2004). “Search results Family: Arctiidae.” Natural History Museum, London.
Note: While the taxonomic placement and distribution of Tessellota cancellata are supported by recognised lepidopteran catalogues, detailed ecological data are sparse.