Species Hydriomena nubilofasciata - Oak Winter Highflier - Hodges#7276

7276

Hydriomena nubilofasciata (Packard, 1871)

NUBILOFASCIATA: from the Latin "nubilus" (cloudy), from "nubes" (a cloud) + "fascia" (a band); refers to the obscure or indefinite appearance of the bands on the forewing

wingspan 27-31 mm (based on eight specimens)

Adult: FW extremely variable in color and pattern; "typical" specimens have four gray bands alternating with four light gold or greenish bands; PM line forms a smooth concave arc for most of its length, then angles inward near costa (a distinguishing feature); some individuals have a pale median area and dark patches in AM and subterminal areas, others have the reverse pattern - dark median patch and pale AM and subterminal areas; some individuals are uniformly pale except for dark AM and PM lines (see four examples of pinned adults); apical dash composed of 2-4 black spots arranged in line; dark patches along costa interspersed by pale whitish lines or patches. HW pale cream to grayish-brown with three indistinct bands

Specimens identified by DNA analysis:

Alaska and British Columbia to California and Arizona

on or around oak trees; adults may be active day and night, and are attracted to light

adults fly from February to May

larvae from April to June

larvae feed on leaves of oak

Other similar-patterned species of Hydriomena lack a smoothly concave PM line. (see page of images in the tribe Hydriomenini)

Hydriomena furcata

Hydriomena nevadae