Common NameDelicate Silver YSeasonalityAdults have been collected in Alberta in July and the first half of August.IdentificationA medium-size moth (4.0-4.5 cm wingspan). Forewings are dark shining grey with strong violet tones. The median area of the forewings below the stigma is a darker rusty black, often with a small rust patch along the lower postmedian line. The prominent stigma is an outward curving silver arc, with the upper half forked. Hindwings are smoky brown, darkening into a broad band along the outer margin. The similar A. california is a bit lighter and less purple, and can be separated from pseudogamma by the short, fine black dash connecting the subterminal and postmedian lines near the apex of the forewings.
Scientific NameAutographa pseudogammaCommon Name
Delicate Silver Y
Habitat
Coniferous and mixedwood forests in the mountains, foothills and southern Boreal forest regions.
Seasonality
Adults have been collected in Alberta in July and the first half of August.
Identification
A medium-size moth (4.0-4.5 cm wingspan). Forewings are dark shining grey with strong violet tones. The median area of the forewings below the stigma is a darker rusty black, often with a small rust patch along the…
A medium-size moth (4.0-4.5 cm wingspan). Forewings are dark shining grey with strong violet tones. The median area of the forewings below the stigma is a darker rusty black, often with a small rust patch along the lower postmedian line. The prominent stigma is an outward curving silver arc, with the upper half forked. Hindwings are smoky brown, darkening into a broad band along the outer margin. The similar A. california is a bit lighter and less purple, and can be separated from pseudogamma by the short, fine black dash connecting the subterminal and postmedian lines near the apex of the forewings.
Life History
Adults are nocturnal and come to lights. They have also been captured at dusk while nectaring at Fireweed blossoms. There is a single brood each year.
Conservation
A fairly common and widespread species, no concerns.
Diet Info
Unknown. It is likely a general feeder on herbaceous plants as are most species in the genus.
Range
Newfoundland to coastal northern Alaska, south in the east to New England and in the western mountains to New Mexico, Arizona and California. Also found in the Cypress Hills and The Black Hills of South Dakota. In…
Newfoundland to coastal northern Alaska, south in the east to New England and in the western mountains to New Mexico, Arizona and California. Also found in the Cypress Hills and The Black Hills of South Dakota. In Alberta, it can be found throughout the Mountain and Foothills regions as well as along the southern part of the Boreal Forest; also in the Cypress Hills.
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Citation
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Page Citation for Autographa pseudogamma
Page Citation
"Species Details - Autographa pseudogamma, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-1128. Accessed 06 Feb. 2023.