Species Capnobotes occidentalis - Western Longwing

Very similar to Capnobotes fuliginosus, and overlapping distribution widely, but this species ranges further north and not so far southward. In comparison, C. occidentalis is somewhat smaller and more varied in body coloring (gray, brown, yellowish, green, etc.), has hind wings less darkened and more nearly clear. Genitalia differ in details (notably projection of last abdominal segment and cerci are shorter in this species), but rarely visible in photos.

Capnobotes bruneri is from the same area where C. occidentalis was first described, and is somewhat similar - but differs in the shape of the pronotum, wing length, length of female ovipositor, and in other proportions and details. It is commonly (always?) much plainer in color pattern.

The male's calling song is a continuous but irregular rapid series of separate short pulses, sounding somewhat like a Field Cricket chirping, but less "musical".

Primarily in Colorado Plateaus and Great Basin from southern Rockies in w. Colorado and n. New Mexico to mountains of California; westward in southern California to coastal mountains. Apparently absent further south from Chihuahuan, Sonoran, and Colorado Desert regions.

Adults seem most abundant in late spring - early summer, first appearing in June or July, depending upon climate and seasonal weather. Some may survive until first frost of autumn.