Tarache acerba (H. Edwards)

Fruva acerba H. Edwards, 1881, Papilio, 1:24. .

Acontia acerboides Poole, 1989, Lepidopterorum Catalogus, 118:13. An objective replacement name for Fruva acerba H. Edwards.

NOTE: At the time that Lepidopterorum Catalogus, volume 118 was published Fruva acerba H. Edward, 1881 was a junior secondary homonym of Acontia acerba Felder and Rogenhofer 1874 in the genus Acontia.  Acontia acerba is currently considered a junior synonym of Pyralis sexpunctata Fabricius 1794, recently placed in the genus Acontia.  The secondary homonymy no longer exists, and under the rules of Zoological Nomenclature, the older name is ressurected.

Diagnosis: Tarache acerba is a small, inconspicuous species, but easily identified none the less. The ground color is a dull white. Hower the lower two thirds is a dark brown with an extension along the postmedial line up to the reniform. A dark brown line connects this extension to the costa. The reniform is a dark circle with a white center and the oribicular is absent or a vague black dot. The postmedial line curves outward around the reniform. The terminal line is a series of relatively large, black dots. Wing expanse from base to apex in one selected individual 8 mm.

Distribution: (Based only on specimens in the USNM). This species is represented in the USNM by specimens from Oregon and northern Coastal California.

Flight period April - June.

Identification Quality: Excellent

Larva: Unknown

Foodplants: Unknown

Distribution map based on specimens in the USNM

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