University of Alberta Museums Search

Species Details

Autographa pseudogamma

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »

Common NameDelicate Silver Y SeasonalityAdults 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 Name Autographa pseudogamma Common 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.

Citation

Page Citation for Autographa pseudogamma

Page Citation

"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 27 Oct. 2021.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom Animalia Phylum Arthropoda Class Hexapoda Subclass Insecta Order Lepidoptera Suborder Ditrysia Superfamily Noctuoidea Family Noctuidae Subfamily Plusiinae Genus Autographa Species Autographa pseudogamma
This hierarchy is created from our museum records, it may not always accurately reflect modern taxonomies.

Taxonomic Hierarchy for University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum