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Papaipema cf. P insulidens 9488 -- Ragwort Stem Borer Moth
Locality: Coastal SW Washington State at the edge of Willapa Bay
geo:lat=46.624389 geo:lon=-123.949728
The two individuals shown were captured on two consecutive days and are most certain members of the genus Papaipema but are similar to three or so of the species (P. baptisiae, birdi and insulidens). What,s new for moths? Thus, referral with request for confirmation is made here to Papaipema insulidens and is based on the very similar white forewing reniform and medial multiple spot cluster size and the pattern with a lighter tan stem pattern within the renifrom group. The two specimens from here have a distinctive basal spot pattern in a lighter shade of brown as do the three species. In P. insulidens the lighter shade of orange brown on the inner margin of the forewing blends with the darker wing coloration across to mid wing while in P. birdi there appears to be distinct color change at a line about 20% in from the inner margin. The specimens here seem to differ from P. baptisiae in the relative size of the reniform area with size of the spots similarly reduced. In P. insulidens the area is approximately equal to the medial set while in P. baptisiae it is smaller.

Be all that as it may, with this group I will leave as a genus with a suggested species awaiting confirmation. Perhaps Jim Wiker will chime in .. I would welcome. References to get started; Jim Wiker's Paraipema pages at MPG and All Leps page.