Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Elpiste lorquinaria
Macaria lorquinaria
described in 1857 by Guenee, who originally placed it in genus Tephrina
Size
wingspan about 26-27 mm, based on three Internet photos
Identification
Adult: forewing variably light gray to light brownish-yellow with 3 dark spots in subterminal area -- two together near costa and one about mid-way across wing; PM line gently wavy, and AM line straight, both lines dark with pale edge along medial side, and both lines stop before reaching costa; discal spot consists of a short oblique dash; usually some darker shading beyond PM line; hindwing paler than forewing, lightly speckled, with faint discal spot and indistinct whitish PM line
Range
California to British Columbia
Season
adults fly from May to August in California
Food
larvae feed on leaves of alder, birch, willow, Grand Fir, and Douglas-fir
Internet References
pinned adult image and photos of related species by Jim Vargo (Moth Photographers Group)
live adult images and common name reference (Moth Photographers Group)
5 pinned adult images and collection site map (All-Leps)
presence in California; list of 35 specimen records with dates and locations (U. of California at Berkeley)
distribution in Canada [British Columbia only] (CBIF)
larval foodplants (Butterflies and Moths of the World, Natural History Museum, UK)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 22 February, 2008 - 8:44pm
Additional contributions by
ceisemanLast updated 25 October, 2009 - 3:22pm
