Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Pyrausta nicalis (Grote, 1878)
Stemmatophora nicalis Grote, 1878
Phylogenetic sequence # 150700.
Numbers
61 species in America north of Mexico
several known but undescribed species
Identification
Adult: forewing grayish-brown tinged with red or purple; PM line whitish, wavy, thin in middle and thick at both ends; AM line and two dark discal spots usually inconspicuous or indistinct; hindwing brownish-gray with white partial PM line that doesn't reach inner margin
Range
Yukon
(1) to Quebec, south to New England, Colorado, and California; type specimen collected in California.
(2),
(3)Habitat
undisturbed areas and boreal forest; adults are nocturnal and come to light
Season
adults fly from May to August, but most common in June and July
Food
unknown but larvae are suspected to feed on one or more species of mint
See Also
related species have pinker forewings and/or lack dark discal spots and/or have a more uniformly thick PM line
Print References
Munroe, E., 1976. Moths of America North of Mexico, Fascicle 13.2b; p. 99; pl. 7.24-31.
(4)Internet References
presence in California; list of 10 specimen records with dates and locations (U. of California at Berkeley)