Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Lacanobia rugosa
described in 1875 by Morrison, who originally placed it in genus Mamestra
Explanation of Names
RUGOSA: from the Latin "rugosus" (wrinkled)
Size
wingspan about 30 mm, based on photo by Jim Vargo at MPG
Identification
Adult: forewing dark brown in upper median area and beyond subterminal line; reniform spot, orbicular spot, and veins in median area outlined in white; broad whitish-gray band across subterminal area, with similar-colored shading in lower AM area and sometimes along inner margin; white subterminal line slightly jagged but lacks W-shaped jog near middle; 3 or more separate dark triangular spots along medial side of subterminal line -- a distinctive feature; pale patch along costa at base of wing; hindwing grayish-yellow with broad blackish terminal band, dark veins, and pale fringe
Range
Newfoundland to Ontario and adjacent northeastern states; also recorded in Alberta
Season
adults fly in June and July
See Also
Trichordestra tacoma forewing has W-shaped jog halfway along subterminal line;
Aster Cutworm (
T. lilacina) lacks separate dark triangular spots on medial side of subterminal line (
compare images of all 3 species at CBIF)
Internet References
pinned adult images and collection site map (All-Leps)
pinned adult image and photos of similar species by Jim Vargo (Moth Photographers Group)
habitat in Alberta; PDF doc (Doug Macaulay, Alberta Lepidopterists Guild)
presence in Michigan and Wisconsin plus locations and dates [search on species "rugosa"] (Lepidopterists Society Season Summary, U. of Florida)
distribution in Canada list of provinces (U. of Alberta, using CBIF data)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 22 July, 2005 - 6:05pm
Last updated 14 November, 2007 - 4:54pm
