The genus Cautethia has 3 species in the USA, and about 5 around the world. This is a New-World genus.
Type specimen: Oenosanda (Cautethia) noctuiformis- Walker, 1856
Synonyms: N/A
General Information: These are small moths. The forewings are generally gray and the hindwings may be yellow/orange/gray.
If you have narrowed something down to this genus, you can use this key to help you narrow down your search to species:
1: Found in Florida or the East. The hindwings are usually more orange and are more than half colored in orange. The remaining edge of the hindwings are black. The forewings are gray and mottled… Cautethia grotei
1’: Not in Florida or the East. Hindwings yellow and often more than 50% black (2)
2: Resident in Texas. The hindwings are usually more yellow and edged with black. The yellow occupies generally less than 50% of the wing.… Cautethia spuria*
2’: Stray into Texas. The hindwings are usually yellow and black. The yellow occupies less than 50% of the wing… Cautethia yucatana*
*Cautethia spuria/yucatana cannot be reliably distinguished from visual cues alone. You must dissect to be 100% sure of the ID. Considering that C. yucatana is a rare stray, it is unlikely to be encountered.
Species List:
Cautethia grotei
Cautethia spuria
Cautethia yucatana
The gallery below shows photos of select species in the genus.
Type specimen: Oenosanda (Cautethia) noctuiformis- Walker, 1856
Synonyms: N/A
General Information: These are small moths. The forewings are generally gray and the hindwings may be yellow/orange/gray.
If you have narrowed something down to this genus, you can use this key to help you narrow down your search to species:
1: Found in Florida or the East. The hindwings are usually more orange and are more than half colored in orange. The remaining edge of the hindwings are black. The forewings are gray and mottled… Cautethia grotei
1’: Not in Florida or the East. Hindwings yellow and often more than 50% black (2)
2: Resident in Texas. The hindwings are usually more yellow and edged with black. The yellow occupies generally less than 50% of the wing.… Cautethia spuria*
2’: Stray into Texas. The hindwings are usually yellow and black. The yellow occupies less than 50% of the wing… Cautethia yucatana*
*Cautethia spuria/yucatana cannot be reliably distinguished from visual cues alone. You must dissect to be 100% sure of the ID. Considering that C. yucatana is a rare stray, it is unlikely to be encountered.
Species List:
Cautethia grotei
Cautethia spuria
Cautethia yucatana
The gallery below shows photos of select species in the genus.
