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Identification key to the Notodontidae occurring in the Dakotas Each page of this key contains multiple comparative statements along with accompanying illustrations and links to successive pages. By following the links you will (it is hoped) end up at the name and picture of your specimen. Species names are then linked to individual species pages. For each numbered comparative statement, there is an immediate hyperlink back to the previous page, otherwise simply using the back arrow key will suffice if you wish to retrace your steps. This key works best with pinned specimens in good condition and at times requires a microscope or at least a good hand lens. For strict picture matching see the photo gallery. This key is based more upon utility rather than strict phylogeny. When identifying a specimen, be sure to scroll to the bottom of each page so as not to overlook a key statement. Notes expanding on the key or providing addition identification information may be found at the bottom of some pages. Larvae of Notodontidae are almost exclusively feeders upon the foliage of woody plants and consequently, the distribution of these moths in the largely treeless Northern Plains is often quite local. For this reason the key includes many eastern species not as yet reported from the Dakotas but which should (or may) occur here. In the following key, species not known to occur in North Dakota are marked with an asterisk (*). Pictured below, and linked to their respective species accounts, are six of the more common and economically important species of Notodontidae from the Dakotas.
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Last updated: 04/14/09 Good web citizens cite their sources.
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