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Moths of Zihuatanejo

ORDER LEPIDOPTERA

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)

-Insects (Class Insecta)

-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)

-Butterflies and Moths (Order Lepidoptera)

-Owlet Moths and Allies Superfamily Noctuoidea

Underwing, Tiger, Tussock, and Allied Moths (Family Erebidae)

-Litter Moths (Subfamily Herminiinae)

-Genus Carteris


Litter moths are generally nondescript, brownish moths often featuring intricate patterns that serve as camouflage, allowing them to blend in while resting on tree bark or among leaf litter on the forest floor. Adults generally have a wingspan of less than an inch. They hold their wings flat and to their sides, giving them a triangular shape when viewed from above. The caterpillars of most litter moths primarily feed on dead plant leaves. Others may consume living leaves or fungi. These moths are typically nocturnal, making them difficult to observe in the wild.

Description

• Carteris is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae. Adults are generally small to medium-sized, with scaled wings bearing patterns of brown, grey, cream, or darker contrasting markings. Wing shape, colouration, and size vary among species, and the patterns often provide camouflage against bark and surrounding vegetation.

Range

• Carteris occurs in the Americas, with members found in tropical and subtropical regions. The genus is present in Mexico, including Zihuatanejo, Guerrero.

Habitat

• Species inhabit a range of vegetated environments, including tropical forest, seasonally dry woodland, scrub, and forest edges. Adults are typically nocturnal and may be attracted to artificial lights.

Diet

• The caterpillars are herbivorous and feed on plant material, usually leaves, although specific host plants are not well documented across the genus. Adult feeding habits are poorly known and may include taking nectar or other liquid nutrients.

Carteris Litter Moths

Carteris (Genus)

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