Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Agrotis venerabilis Walker, [1857]
phylogenetic sequence # 933516.
Explanation of Names
VENERABILIS: a Latin word, from the root "venerari" (to reverence, worship, adore [on account of age or historic or religious associations]); probably a reference to the white-haired or gray-haired appearance of the adult, making it look old
Numbers
Twenty-three species are found in America north of Mexico.
(1)Identification
Adult: tegulae (scales in "shoulder" area) whitish in male, pale gray in female, giving the appearance of old age; thorax brown with darker brown collar; forewing grayish to yellowish-brown; orbicular spot long & narrow with thin black outline; claviform spot a black dash; blackish shading along costa usually extends down over reniform spot but rarely reaches apex; two smaller black patches in terminal area
hindwing grayish-brown
[adapted from description by Charles Covell]
Larva: head dark brown; body brown above, yellowish below
Range
All of United States plus coast to coast in southern Canada.
Season
Adults fly from late August to October.
Food
Larvae feed on alfalfa, chickweed, clover, corn, oats, tobacco, and various other plants.
Life Cycle
Overwinters as a larva in the soil.
Remarks
This point of male anatomy could use some explanation:
See Also
Agrotis obliqua flies in May and June in far northern forests; its thorax is darker, and its forewing orbicular spot is oval (
compare images of both species at CBIF)
Agrotis volubilis and A. stigmosa also fly in May/June, not September/October
Print References
Lafontaine J. D., and B. C. Schmidt 2010. Annotated check list of the Noctuoidea (Insecta, Lepidoptera) of North America North of Mexico. p. 107.
(1)
Lafontaine, J. D., 2004. Moths of America North of Mexico, Fascicle 27.1. p. 239; pl. K.30-34.
(2)Internet References
Moth Photographers Group - range map, photos of larvae, living and pinned adults.
BOLD - Barcode of Life Data Systems - collection map and photos of pinned adults.
live adult image and food plants (Larry Line, Maryland)
distribution in Canada list of provinces (U. of Alberta, using CBIF data)
