Noctuidae: Plusia nichollae? - Plusia contexta

Moved

Moved from Moths. Moved based on Paul's comment below.

… Lynette Elliott, 15 November, 2010 - 5:46pm

P. contexta

Comparing pictures of P. nichollae here:

http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/species.php?hodges=8951

To pictures of P. contexta here:

http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/species.php?hodges=8952

Seems to suggest that this is conexta (the two silver spots on the FW of nichollae and putnami are "connected" in contexta)

… Paul Dennehy, 1 November, 2010 - 8:19pm

Thanks, Paul!

Thanks for your help with this specimen, Paul! I appreciate your expertise! ;-)

… Carl Barrentine, 15 November, 2010 - 10:55pm

Looks right

Take a look and see comments on the species I put up to aid in determining the correct placement.

… Dick Wilson, 10 October, 2010 - 9:15am

Thanks, Dick!

Thanks for your help! I first consulted C.V. Covell's book (A Field Guide to the Moths of Eastern North America, 1984), when trying to ID this specimen. My sense was that it looked like a pretty good match with 'P. contexta' (see image of a male specimen from Wisconsin on Plate 32, Image 6, on p. 239). I tried to find a BG image of 'P. contexta' but had no luck. Covell does show and image of 'P. putnami' (see Plate 32, Image 4, p. 239). My specimen (above) really does resemble 'P. contexta' more than 'P. putnami' for the very reasons you address in distinguishing 'P. nichollae' with 'P. putnami'. I can only guess that 'P. nichollae' must now be the preferred name for 'P. contexta'? Candidly, I've so much to learn about moth identification/taxonomy, but I am trying to get a better understanding (moth by moth, mistake by mistake). Again, thanks for your help with this, Dick! ;-)

… Carl Barrentine, 10 October, 2010 - 10:38am

Moved

Moved from ID Request.

… Carl Barrentine, 9 October, 2010 - 8:05pm