Moths: Northern Giant Flag

Moths: Northern Giant Flag

Although there in not much in print about the moths in the US, Dysschema is from a family of Erebidae in the genus Tiger Moths. The genus was erected by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus contains some of the more showy moths of the southwestern United States. I came across this moth in the bathhouse attached to the Valley of Fire campground in New Mexico. It was resting on a grey wall and stood out like the flag that it must represent.

Members of this genus are collectively referred to as flag moths, with specific prominent species like Dysschema thetis and Dysschema howardi bearing the common name Northern Giant Flag Moth.

Where Does the Common Name Come From?

The common name “flag moth” is a broad term used for this group (specifically the subtribe Pericopina, formerly the subfamily Pericopinae).

• The Origin: The term was famously coined by entomologist Charles Leonard Hogue in 1993.
• The Reason: It directly references their large, boldly patterned wings. When these moths fly, their vibrant, contrasting colors and dramatic wing movements closely resemble a flag waving or fluttering in the wind. [1, 2]

A Quick Breakdown of the Names:

Name Type	Term	Origin / Meaning
Scientific Name	Dysschema	Derived from Greek roots: dys- meaning “bad, malicious, or hard” and schema meaning “form or shape”. This likely references their asymmetrical or highly variable color patterns.
Common Name	Flag Moth	Named by Charles L. Hogue due to their prominent, flag-like wing patterns and fluttering flight style.

There are over 60 different species in this genus, and each of them is remarkably beautiful. May you see many of them in your lifetime and cherish in the diversity of these moths.