Species Orthosia praeses - Hodges#10480

10480

Orthosia praeses (Grote, 1879)

original combination Perigrapha praeses Grote, 1879; Bull. U.S. Geol. & Geog. Surv. Terr. 5 : 202

* phylogenetic sequence #932765

FW length 16-18 mm (1)

FW color is variable, most commonly dark reddish brown or blackish brown and less often mottled and speckled light red-brown. Most color forms have a lighter terminal area that is often ochres-tan or orange-brown, but the terminal area can be the same shade as the rest of the wing. The subterminal line is pale yellowish to light red-brown and is usually prominent. It is often preceded by darker red-brown or black. The other transverse lines are usually absent or inconspicuous, even at the costa, although the scalloped PM is visible in some specimens. The orbicular spot is diamond-shaped or oval and is fused to the weakly indented reniform spot. These spots can be prominent due to lighter yellowish to light red-brown filling, or can be practically invisible if filled with the ground color. Some specimens have the cell outside the spots filled with jet black which accentuates the filling of the spots. (1)

Range of this species extends south through western California to the border with Mexico. It is found most commonly along the Pacific Coast but also occurs on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada. (1)

This species is narrowly endemic to the West Coast in moist to dry forest habitats. (1)

Like most other members of the tribe Orthosiini, flies in the spring. It is one of the earliest moths to emerge each year. The records from our area extend from early February to mid-April. This species is nocturnal and comes to lights. (1)