Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Sparganothis senecionana (Walsingham, 1879)
Oenectra senecionana Walsingham, 1879
(1)
Oenectra rudana Walsingham, 1879
(1)
Phylogenetic sequence #620406
Explanation of Names
Specific epithet for the host plant genus (
Senecio) it was first reared on.
(1)Size
Forewing length 7.5-12.5 mm.
(2)Identification
Adult - see original description in Print References.
(1)
Powell & Opler (2009) describe the following variations, noting that most populations have a pale gray hindwing with some specimens of both sexes having an entirely rust colored forewing:
(2)
Typical Form (North Coast Ranges of California) - males golden with distinct rust to rust brown pattern. Females usually darker with obscured markings.
Sierra Nevada West Slope - like typical form with more extensive rust scaling.
Sierra Nevada above the timberline - much darker, brownish gray with dark brown markings. Hindwing dark gray.
Beach Populations - white with well-defined dark blood-red markings.
Interior Ventura County - white with narrow pale rust markings.
Range
Powell & Opler (2009) gives the range in the west as British Columbia to Baja California, also Alberta to Colorado to Arizona.
(2) Moth Photographers Group shows eastern records from Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.
(3)
Syntypes (3 ♂ , 2 ♀) : California, Lake County to Mount Shasta, June 20th to August 6th (Walsingham); southern Oregon, larva taken on
Senecio in May (Walsingham).
(1)Habitat
Widespread in the west, absent from deserts.
(2)Food
Larvae often feed on flowers and are incredibly polyphagous, including toxic plants avoided by many generalists, and occasionally even conifers.
(2)Print References
Walsingham, Lord. 1879. North-American Torticidae.
Illustrations of typical specimens of Lepidoptera Heterocera in the collection of the British Museum. 4:
17 (1)Contributed by
Brad Barnd on 4 September, 2010 - 3:05pm
Additional contributions by
Randy HardyLast updated 10 February, 2018 - 12:01pm
