Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Xanthorhoe labradorensis (Packard, 1867)
Coremia labradorensis Packard, 1867
Gypsochroa emendata Pearsall, 1914
Identification
Adult: A flimsy moth with a small body and broad wings. FW light grey, slightly mottled. Basal area is red brown, with prominent black AM. Median area, between AM and PM, is rust-red, with a small red-brown patch on the costa, before the apex. HW light grey.
(1) (2)
Specimens identified by DNA analysis:
genitalia - apex of costa broadly pointed and exceeding length of valva; aedeagus with large, split cluster of spines at the apex.
male antennae - segments doubly bifasciculate
Range
Found across Canada, Alaska, and south in the east to Louisiana and Mississippi.
(1)Habitat
Open wooded areas and edges.
(1)Season
One generation per year, with adults on wing from late May to late August in the northern part of the range.
(1)Food
Larvae feed are
polyphagous, and feed on a wide range of plants, including herbs and woody plants.
(1)Remarks
Page creation based on John Davis' identification of
this image
Black AM followed by the wide red median band should separate
labradorensis from all but
X. packardata. Xanthorhoe are one of the most difficult groups of geometrid moths to identify, and little has been published on North American members of this genus to date. These two species are frequently misidentified in collections and elsewhere, and should be dissected for positive identification.
(2)Internet References
BOLD Systems - images of DNA supported specimens
(4)
Wikipedia - brief description
(1)
E. H. Strickland Museum – image of pinned adult
(2)
