Species Lacinipolia cuneata - Cuneate Arches - Hodges#10371

10371

CUNEATA: from the Latin "cuneatus" (wedge-shaped), from "cuneus" (a wedge); probably refers to the shape of the dark patch on the forewing

The common name suggested above follows the pattern of calling Lacinipolia species "Arches", and using the species epithet as a modifier

wingspan about 30 mm

Adult: forewing brownish-gray with large dark brown or blackish patch surrounding reniform and orbicular spots [patch is broad near costa, and narrows toward inner margin, giving overall wedge shape]; short black bar connects AM and PM lines near costa; black basal and anal dashes; small golden-yellow patch superimposed on anal dash is diagnostic when visible

hindwing dark brownish-gray with black veins

Larva; dark rosy brown dorsally with faint black chevrons; sides dark brown with barely discernible black semicircle on each abdominal segment; head dark gray with black markings

British Columbia to California

coastal forests (not in mountains)

adults fly in spring and early summer

Jeremy Tatum found an egg on Oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor) in July; larva was reared on dandelion, chickweed, and lettuce; probably feeds on leaves of various plants in nature

one generation per year; overwinters as a larva; pupates in late winter or early spring; adults emerge in spring

Hada sutrina has a pale patch descending diagonally from the orbicular spot toward the inner margin, and lacks a golden yellow spot in anal angle area (compare images of both species)

Lacinipolia anguina, Lasionycta phaea, and Lasionycta skraelingia are similar but lack a golden yellow spot in anal angle area, and lack a basal and/or anal dash (compare images of all four species)

Moth Photographers Group (MPG)

Pacific Northwest Moths