Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Aglossa pinguinalis (Linnaeus, 1758)
* phylogenetic sequence #164225
Identification
forewing gray or brownish with uniform dark speckling, zigzag AM and PM lines, and several pale patches mixed with dark patches; labial palps separated and slightly upturned at tip
hindwing light gray or brownish, slightly darker toward outer margin
Range
native to Eurasia; introduced to North America some time before 1990
Internet records from California, Maryland, New York, Ontario (as of January 2006)
Habitat
larvae develop in sheltered areas such as cellars, barns and other outbuildings, caves, and animal burrows; adults are nocturnal and attracted to light
Season
adults fly from June to August
Food
larvae feed on animal dung [see article on coprophagy in Internet References section below], and perhaps on various dead animal and plant material - references to larval food are few and vague
Life Cycle
two years required for completion of life cycle; overwinters as a larva
Remarks
Very little information on the biology or North American distribution of this species could be found on the Internet.
See Also
Aglossa cuprina and caprealis are smaller and have a different pattern of patches on the forewing
Internet References
Moth Photographers Group - range map, photos of living and pinned adults.
pinned adult image by John Glaser, and habitat (Larry Line, Maryland)
BOLD - Barcode of Life Data Systems - species account with collection map and photos of pinned adults.
presence in California; list (U. of California at Berkeley)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 22 January, 2006 - 11:51pm
Additional contributions by
Maury HeimanLast updated 24 June, 2012 - 7:21pm
