Explanation of Names
Polychrysia esmeralda (Oberthür, 1880)
Plusia esmeralda Oberthür, 1880
Deva trabea Smith, 1895
* phylogenetic sequence #931182
Size
forewing length 1.5-1.8 cm (Powell & Opler, 2009)
(1)Range
Alaska south and west across the Canadian prairies to Saskatchewan (Powell & Opler, 2009).
Habitat
Lush meadows and woodland edges in the mountains and foothills, and in flower gardens (E.H. Strickland Museum).
Food
Larvae feed on
monkshood (
Aconitum sp.) and
larkspurs (
Delphinium sp.), and are pests on these plants in Edmonton. Adults will visit
fireweed (
Chamerion sp.) blossoms for nectar (E.H. Strickland Museum).
Life Cycle
Larvae appear around late April or May and burrow into the growing leader of the host plant, causing considerable damage. The spun cocoon made out of fine, gold silk (E.H. Strickland Museum).
Remarks
Adults are easily caught by hand when visiting flowers (E.H. Strickland Museum).
Print References
Lafontaine, J. D. & R. W. Poole 1991. Moths of America North of Mexico, Fascicle 25.1: p.67; pl.1.30-32
Powell, J. A. & P. A. Opler 2009. Moths of Western North America, Pl.49.30f; p.278
