Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Lacanobia tacoma
described in 1900 by Strecker, who originally placed it in genus Mamestra
Size
wingspan about 30 mm, based on photos by Jim Vargo at MPG
Identification
Adult: forewing brownish-gray with dark gray patches; subterminal area pale purplish-gray; subterminal line whitish, with distinct W-shaped jog near middle; hindwing yellowish-gray with dark veins and broad dark terminal band; fringe pale basally, dark distally
Range
across southern Canada and northern United States, south in the west to California
Season
adults fly from May to July
Food
larvae feed on willow, willowherb, chokecherry, elderberry, blueberry, spiraea, birch, spreading dogbane, and other shrubs and low plants [Handfield, 1999]
See Also
Aster Cutworm (
Trichordestra lilacina) and
Wrinkled Trichordestra (
T. rugosa) both lack a W-shaped jog in subterminal line on forewing (
compare images of all 3 species at CBIF)
Print References
Handfield, Louis. 1999. Les Guides des Papillons du Quebec. Broquet. 662 pp.
Internet References
live adult images plus detailed description, foodplants, flight season (Lynn Scott, Ontario)
pinned adult image and photos of related species by Jim Vargo (Moth Photographers Group)
presence in California list of 2 specimen records with dates and locations (U. of California at Berkeley)
distribution in Canada list of provinces (U. of Alberta, using CBIF data)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 14 November, 2007 - 10:22am
Last updated 14 November, 2007 - 5:30pm
