Species Details
Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »
Common NameWhite Y Mark
SeasonalityAdults have been collected in Alberta in August.
IdentificationA medium-size (3.8-4.0 cm wingspan) contrasting grey and black moth. Forewings are smooth, almost iridescent pale violet grey and dark slate grey. The basal area and the areas distal to the postmedian and subterminal lines are pale violet grey, while the median area, especially around and below the stigma, and the area along the basal side of the subterminal line is dark slate grey and black. The stigma is a small, silvery white v-shape with an extension to the antemedian line. Forewing pattern is very attractive, and unlike any other Alberta moth. Hindwings are dark sooty grey-brown, antennae are simple, and both the sexes are alike.
Scientific Name
Autographa v-alba
Common Name
White Y Mark
Habitat
Openings and edges in mature mixedwood forest.
Seasonality
Adults have been collected in Alberta in August.
Identification
A medium-size (3.8-4.0 cm wingspan) contrasting grey and black moth. Forewings are smooth, almost iridescent pale violet grey and dark slate grey. The basal area and the areas distal to the postmedian and…
A medium-size (3.8-4.0 cm wingspan) contrasting grey and black moth. Forewings are smooth, almost iridescent pale violet grey and dark slate grey. The basal area and the areas distal to the postmedian and subterminal lines are pale violet grey, while the median area, especially around and below the stigma, and the area along the basal side of the subterminal line is dark slate grey and black. The stigma is a small, silvery white v-shape with an extension to the antemedian line. Forewing pattern is very attractive, and unlike any other Alberta moth. Hindwings are dark sooty grey-brown, antennae are simple, and both the sexes are alike.
Life History
The adults are nocturnal and come to light. There is a single brood each year.
Conservation
An uncommon and local species, at the northeastern edge of its range in the foothills of Alberta.
Diet Info
Unknown. Probably general feeders on herbaceous plants like most other members of the genus.
Range
A western species, found from the foothills of Alberta west almost to the coast of British Columbia, south to southern Washington, northeastern Oregon, central Idaho, northern Wyoming and central Utah. In Alberta, it…
A western species, found from the foothills of Alberta west almost to the coast of British Columbia, south to southern Washington, northeastern Oregon, central Idaho, northern Wyoming and central Utah. In Alberta, it has been taken in the foothills and low elevations in the mountains, north almost to Hinton.
Citation
Page Citation for Autographa v-alba
Page Citation
"Species Details - Autographa v-alba, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-1130. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
References
Author
Lafontaine, J. Donald and Robert W. Poole
Title
Noctuoidea : Noctuidae (part) : Plusiinae
Publication Date
1995
Pages
182
Author
Eichlin, Thomas D. and Hugh B. Cunningham
Title
The Plusiinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) of America north of Mexico, emphasizing genitalic and larval morphology.
Publication Date
1978
Pages
122
Specimen Information
There are 33 specimens of this Species.
UASM24069 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Kananaskis Country
Collected ByTroubridge, J.
Date Collected2002-08-16
UASM59415 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park
Collected BySchmidt, B. C.; Dombroskie, J.; Anweiler, G. G.
Date Collected2006-08-14
UASM170712 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Mount Kobau
Collected ByTroubridge, J.
Date Collected1997-08-01
UASM170713 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Mount Kobau
Collected ByTroubridge, J.
Date Collected1997-08-01
UASM170714 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Mount Kobau
Collected ByTroubridge, J.
Date Collected1997-08-01
UASM170715 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Mount Kobau
Collected ByTroubridge, J.
Date Collected1999-08-04
UASM170716 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Mount Kobau
Collected ByTroubridge, J.
Date Collected1999-08-04
UASM170717 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Watch Peak
Collected ByTroubridge; Hensel
Date Collected2000-08-01
UASM170718 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Watch Peak
Collected ByTroubridge, J.
Date Collected1996-08-16/1996-08-17
UASM170719 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Watch Peak
Collected ByTroubridge, J.
Date Collected1996-08-16/1996-08-17
UASM170720 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Kananaskis Country, Hailstone Butte
Collected ByTroubridge, J.
Date Collected1998-07-25
UASM170721 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Kananaskis Country, Hailstone Butte
Collected ByTroubridge, J.
Date Collected1998-07-25
UASM170722 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedUnited States: Washington, Yakima county, Bethel Ridge
Collected ByTroubridge, J.
Date Collected1995-08-18
UASM170723 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Mission Ridge
Collected ByTroubridge, J.
Date Collected1998-07-10
UASM170724 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedUnited States: Washington, Chelan county, Junior Point
Collected ByCrabo, L. G.; Coughlin, C. A.
Date Collected1989-08-04
UASM170725 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedUnited States: Washington, Chelan county, Junior Point campground
Collected ByTroubridge, J.
Date Collected1997-08-06
UASM170726 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedUnited States: Washington, Chelan county, Junior Point campground
Collected ByTroubridge, J.
Date Collected1997-08-06
UASM170727 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedUnited States: Washington, Chelan county, Junior Point campground
Collected ByTroubridge, J.
Date Collected1997-08-06
UASM170728 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedUnited States: Washington, Chelan county, Junior Point campground
Collected ByTroubridge, J.
Date Collected1997-08-06
UASM170729 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedUnited States: Washington, Chelan county, Junior Point
Collected ByTroubridge, J.
Date Collected1999-08-05
UASM170730 - Autographa v-alba
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedUnited States: Washington, Chelan county, Junior Point
Collected ByTroubridge, J.
Date Collected1999-08-05