Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
described in 1857 by Walker, who originally placed it in genus Hadena
Numbers
one of 4 species in this genus in North America listed at
All-Leps
subspecies E. c. albertina occurs from Manitoba westward
uncommon to rare in the east; more common westward
Identification
Adult: forewing variably pale to dark gray with black and white markings; black basal dash usually extends to touch AM line; orbicular and reniform spots large, pale, with darker scales between the two spots; orbicular spot egg-shaped, with long axis almost parallel to costa; claviform spot consists of a long parabola, partly open basally, with distal tip almost touching PM line near inner margin; PM line scalloped, black, edged distally with pale scales; subterminal line irregular, containing three or four small black wedges; terminal line composed of black dashes; fringe gray, lightly checkered with pale scales at veins; hindwing gray, paler toward base, with dark terminal line and pale fringe; antennae simple in both sexes
genitalia
Range
Alaska to Newfoundland, south to New England, Colorado, and California; absent from southeastern and southcentral states; type specimen collected in Newfoundland
Habitat
boreal forests, deciduous and mixedwood forests and edges; adults are nocturnal and come to light and sugar bait
Season
adults fly in August and September
Remarks
Many Alberta specimens, in particular those from the more xeric habitats, have been identified previously as E. jocasta. More work is needed to clarify the relationship of these "species". [text copied from U. of Alberta page]
See Also
In the west,
Apamea longula forewing lacks a noticeable ST line, and PM line lacks white distal edge (
compare images of these and other related species by Jim Vargo at MPG)
Internet References
species account including common name reference, habitat, flight season, description, distribution (Strickland Entomological Museum, U. of Alberta)
live and pinned adult images by John Davis and Jim Vargo respectively (Moth Photographers Group)
8 pinned adult images and collection site map showing presence in Quebec and Ontario (All-Leps)
distribution; PDF doc and habitat (J.D. Lafontaine and D.M. Wood, Butterflies and Moths of the Yukon)
type specimen location and references (Markku Savela, FUNET)
