Species Anicla tepperi - Hodges#10910

10910

3.6 - 4.0 cm

A medium size (3.6 - 4.0 cm wingspan) blue-grey moth with prominent but variable darker grey or black banding and streaking. The normal lines are usually well-marked, in particular the antemedian and postmedian lines. The orbicular spot is nearly obsolete, but the reniform is marked by a patch of black scales. The veins are lighter than the ground, and there is usually darker scaling between them, resulting in a streaky appearance. The hindwings are white, shading slightly darker toward the outer margin. There is a prominent and contrasting jet-black prothoracic collar, slightly crescent-shaped, which will distinguish it from similar species. The related E. exuberans also has a black collar, but is paler grey or brown and lacks the lines across the wings. The larvae are described in Lafontaine (2004). The genus Euagrotis was recently sunk to subgeneric status under Anicla. (This text from E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum)

Eastern Manitoba west to the Alberta foothills, north to about Lloydminster and south to southern Colorado. In Alberta found throughout the grasslands and southern foothills, north to the Edmonton and Lloyminster areas.

Dry native grasslands

June through mid July

The larvae have been reared on wheat, but are believed to feed naturally on a variety of grasses (Lafontaine, 2004).

E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Text and pinned photograph

MPG Pinned photograph