Rush Veneer

A search of Celery Stalkworm brings up 2 species, Nomophila noctuella and Nomophila nearctica. Historically Nomophila noctuella has always been given the Common name of Rush Veneer throughout Europe and Africa where it is found. Prior to 1973 it did have worldwide distribution but in 1973 there was a species split and the North American species became N. nearctica (Munroe 1973). Further species also got split away at that time: Nomophila africana Munroe, 1973 Nomophila brevispinalis Munroe, 1973 Nomophila colombiana Munroe, 1973 Nomophila distinctalis Munroe, 1973 Nomophila nearctica Munroe, 1973 These were previously known under a variety of Common names in different countries, such as Rush Veneer, Celery Webworm, Celery Stalkworm Lucerne moth, Clover Nomophila, False Webworm or American Celery Webworm. It is highly likely that what is seen in any one place will come under the Scientific name associated with that area so the Common Name should be what the user normally uses for that species in that location.

EOL is also stating that Celery Stalkworm is Nomophila nearctica which is a species restricted to the North American continent. A map showing it to be also found in UK, Portugal and Hong Kong emanates from the iNaturalist site where it is referenced back to EOL and given the name Nomophila noctuella. It looks like an error of Common Name by the same person on both iNaturalist on EOL is starting to spread like a virus!

Interesting Common Name Manuel. All web sites other than EOL give Nomophila noctuella the Common Name of Rush Veneer while Celery Stalkworm comes up with Nomophila nearctica on many pages. Are you able to clarify please.