Moths of North Carolina
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66 NC Records

Tacparia zalissaria Walker, 1860 - Southern Pale Alder Moth

Tacparia zalissariaTacparia zalissaria
view caption 		Tacparia zalissaria
Taxonomy
Superfamily: Geometroidea Family: GeometridaeSubfamily: EnnominaeTribe: LithininiP3 Number: 91a1136 MONA Number: 6805.00
Comments: A wholly North American genus containing three species, two of these occur in North Carolina. The third species ranges south to New Jersey. The genus was studied by Rupert (1949) and Ferguson (1973).
Species Status: Specimens from North Carolina and Florida have been examined. They fall into two apparent species clusters, one with specimens from North Carolina and Florida, one with specimens only from North Carolina. This complex is currently under study.
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Online Resources: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLDTechnical Description, Adults: Rupert (1949); Ferguson (1973)                                                                                 
Adult Markings: While vaguely similar to a number of other Geometrid species, they are distinct enough in coloration to be correctly identified based on maculation. Two color forms, gray and brown (Ferguson, 1973), occur in North Carolina.
Adult Structural Features: Both male and female genitalia are distinct and should not be confused with any other known species. Females have thinner antennal shafts than the males.
Structural photos
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens.
Immatures and Development: Larvae are apparently undescribed (Ferguson, 1973). Larvae provided by Ferguson to Rupert (1949) who described them as belonging to T. zalissaria, were later stated by Ferguson to actually belong to T. atropunctata.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: All of our records come from the Outer Coastal Plain.
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Flight Dates:
 High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft.
 Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft.
 Piedmont (Pd)
 Coastal Plain (CP)

Click on graph to enlarge
Flight Comments: A single brood is on the wing in the outer Coastal Plain from the end of February through the first week of May.
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: Most of our records come from Tidewater habitats, where Common Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera) is a common species. Further inland, it has been recorded in both Longleaf Pine savannas/flatwoods and peatlands, habitats where Morella carolinensis and M. pumilla are common. Thus far, we have not collected this species in the Piedmont, where Common Wax Myrtle is a common horticultural shrub.
Larval Host Plants: The only confirmed host plant for the genus -- for detersata -- is alder, but that is unlikely to be the foodplant for this species. Tacparia atropunctata and T. zalissaria may instead be associated with species in the Myricaceae (Ferguson, 1973). - View
Observation Methods: Adults have been recorded in light traps and may respond to bait but we have no known records of them doing so. They probably can be found active during the day. Look for caterpillars in April through early June. Caterpillars of this genus and related ones are known to wriggle violently when disturbed.
Wikipedia
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks: GNR [S3S4]
State Protection: Has no legal protection, although permits are required to collect it on state parks and other public lands.
Comments: This species has a restricted geographic distribution in North Carolina and appears to be somewhat specialized in terms of habitat. More needs to be learned about its host plant and habitat preferences, but if it feeds on Wax Myrtles, it is likely to be secure in the state.

 Photo Gallery for Tacparia zalissaria - Southern Pale Alder Moth

Photos: 11

Recorded by: Mark Shields on 2021-04-07
Onslow Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Mark Shields on 2020-03-26
Onslow Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: B. Bockhahn, K. Kittelberger on 2017-04-12
Gates Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Britta Muiznieks on 2014-05-09
Dare Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Britta Muiznieks on 2014-05-09
Dare Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Britta Muiznieks on 2014-05-03
Dare Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Britta Muiznieks on 2014-05-01
Dare Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: K. Bischof on 2011-03-21
Beaufort Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: K. Bischof on 2010-04-12
Beaufort Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: K. Bischof on 2010-04-12
Beaufort Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: FKW on 2006-05-04
Gates Co.
Comment: