I've read descriptions for both but, looking at BOLD images as well as pinned images at MPG, those descriptions, i. e. the am. line shape, do not seem to hold up. I also understand that at least season can be a factor for some parts of the year but even that seems to not work. I'd like to be able to spell this out in the Info section if there is a way to separate these two species. Thanks in advance!

... is that there isn't a way to separate them via appearance alone.

We thought we had it pinned down pretty well back then, but based on data from the past 6 years, I really don't believe there's a truly reliable way to distinguish them by photo with any certainty.

Myself, and two local specialists, all agreed on the ID at the time, but I'd bet we'd all choose to put a big asterisk by that ID now.

I'd say you could leave it here on this page, given the discussion we've added, or due the uncertainty simply move it to genus. I'll leave that to you. :-)

I learning to not like moving so I'm leaving this for now unless there is consensus on the Moths Forum to do otherwise. I will, however, make notes on the info pages.

Hugh McGuinness mentions, in response to an August 30 NY record mentions that late records are more likely to be cruralis and I assume he means in the north east. Does that sound right or is that suspect as well.

Thanks so much for your help.

I'm not familiar with any data suggesting that (albeit I haven't followed this group specifically, for a while now), but I wouldn't be surprised. It could very well be common in the northeast populations, but I haven't heard of the seasonal distinction being noted here in the southeast.