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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 04 Jul. 2022.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom Animalia Phylum Arthropoda Class Hexapoda Subclass Insecta Order Lepidoptera Suborder Ditrysia Superfamily Noctuoidea Family Noctuidae Subfamily Plusiinae Genus Autographa Species Autographa v-alba
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