The genus Aellopos has 4 species in the USA, and about 6 around the world. This is a New-World genus.
Type specimen: Sphinx (Aellopos) titan - Cramer, 1777
Synonyms: N/A
General Information: These are small brown day-flying moths with various white markings on the wings. Newly emerged individuals may be black. The abdomen generally has a bold white segment.
If you have narrowed something down to this genus, you can use this key to help you narrow down your search to species:
1: There is no prominent black discal spot. The line leading down the forewing from the discal area is creamy, not distinctly white. The submarginal area of the forewing may have anywhere from 3-6 white dots, several of which are divided in half by thin black lines… Aellopos fadus
1’: There is a prominent black discal spot (2)
2: The submarginal band has no white markings. There is a small white line that runs from the black discal spot to the inner margin of the forewing… Aellopos tantalus
2’: Not as above (3)
3: The submarginal band has 3 white markings not divided by black lines. The line that descends from the black discal spot to the inner margin of the forewing is pinkish-white in color… Aellopos clavipes
3’: The submarginal band has 4-5 white markings not divided by black lines. The band that descends from the black discal spot to the inner margin of the forewing is white and may appear divided. The hindwing may have a yellowish upper margin… Aellopos titan
Species List:
Aellopos tantalus
Aellopos clavipes
Aellopos titan
Aellopos fadus
The gallery below shows photos of select species in the genus.
Type specimen: Sphinx (Aellopos) titan - Cramer, 1777
Synonyms: N/A
General Information: These are small brown day-flying moths with various white markings on the wings. Newly emerged individuals may be black. The abdomen generally has a bold white segment.
If you have narrowed something down to this genus, you can use this key to help you narrow down your search to species:
1: There is no prominent black discal spot. The line leading down the forewing from the discal area is creamy, not distinctly white. The submarginal area of the forewing may have anywhere from 3-6 white dots, several of which are divided in half by thin black lines… Aellopos fadus
1’: There is a prominent black discal spot (2)
2: The submarginal band has no white markings. There is a small white line that runs from the black discal spot to the inner margin of the forewing… Aellopos tantalus
2’: Not as above (3)
3: The submarginal band has 3 white markings not divided by black lines. The line that descends from the black discal spot to the inner margin of the forewing is pinkish-white in color… Aellopos clavipes
3’: The submarginal band has 4-5 white markings not divided by black lines. The band that descends from the black discal spot to the inner margin of the forewing is white and may appear divided. The hindwing may have a yellowish upper margin… Aellopos titan
Species List:
Aellopos tantalus
Aellopos clavipes
Aellopos titan
Aellopos fadus
The gallery below shows photos of select species in the genus.
