Thurberiphaga Explained

Thurberiphaga is a monotypic moth genus of the family Noctuidae erected by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1920. Its only species, Thurberiphaga diffusa, was first described by William Barnes in 1904.

Distribution

Thurberiphaga diffusa can be found only in southern Arizona in the United States.^[1]

Flight

This moth is on wing from July to September.^[1]

Life cycle

The caterpillar bores into the stem of the host plant. It is a pinkish color and is covered with rough setae.^[1]

Host plants

Its only host plant is wild cotton (Gossypium thurberi).^[2]

Notes and References

1. Powell, Jerry A. & Opler, Paul A. (2009). Moths of Western North America. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.
2. Web site: Balaban . John and Jane . March 25, 2013 . Species Thurberiphaga diffusa - Thurberia Bollworm - Hodges#9817 . BugGuide . June 18, 2019.