Field Guide Descriptions: Covell (1984); Beadle and Leckie (2012) | Online Photographs: MPG, BugGuide, GBIF, BOLD | Technical Description, Adults: McDunnough (1943); Forbes (1954); Rings et al. (1992) | Technical Description, Immature Stages: Forbes (1954); Wagner (2005); Wagner et al. (2011) | |
Adult Markings: Metatoides is similar in color but slightly darker than metata, confusa, and helata, all of which also have obscure medial lines. Helata can usually be distinguished by the brown shades that narrowly border its antemedian and postmedian lines; the brown shades in metatoides before the antemedial line extend all the way to the basal line. Metata and confusa are usually paler and less contrastingly patterned than either metatoides or helata. In many cases, dissection is needed to confirm the identities of these species. |
Adult Structural Features: Both male and female genitalia are described and illustrated by McDunnough (1943); male structures are also included in a key and illustrated by Forbes (1954). Specimens of females can be brushed to expose the genital plate, which has large "ear-like" flanges that extend from the sides and the suture that runs down the center of the plate is relatively straight and axially oriented (McDunnough, 1943). |
Structural photos |
![](photos_structures/2016/tn8707.00_1452895765.jpg) Male reproductive structures |
![](photos_structures/2016/tn8707.00_1452895788.jpg) Female reproductive structures |
![](photos_structures/2023/tn8707.00_1699467980.jpg) Comparison of Z. metatoides and Z. helata. Specimens collected by J.B. Sullivan, from Stokes County |
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Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from photos showing hindwings, abdomen, or other specialized views [e.g., frons, palps, antennae, undersides]. |
Immatures and Development: Larvae of metatoides are also similar to those of the other pine-feeding Zales, with identification generally requiring them to be reared to the adult stage (Wagner, et al., 2011). |
Larvae ID Requirements: Identifiable only through rearing to adulthood. |