Common NameRuby DartSeasonalityAdults have been collected in Alberta from mid July through early August.IdentificationA medium-size compact rusty-orange noctuid moth. Forewings reddish or rusty orange and hindwings pale yellow-orange. The forewings are crossed by paler antemedian and postmedian lines, and the median area between the two is mostly darker red-brown. The terminal area beyond the postmedian line is divided into a darker basal half and a lighter orange terminal half. The orbicular and reniform spots are large and prominent, lighter orange than the associated ground, and somewhat angular.
Scientific NameXestia oblataCommon Name
Ruby Dart
Habitat
Montane and boreal deciduous and mixedwood forest.
Seasonality
Adults have been collected in Alberta from mid July through early August.
Identification
A medium-size compact rusty-orange noctuid moth. Forewings reddish or rusty orange and hindwings pale yellow-orange. The forewings are crossed by paler antemedian and postmedian lines, and the median area between…
A medium-size compact rusty-orange noctuid moth. Forewings reddish or rusty orange and hindwings pale yellow-orange. The forewings are crossed by paler antemedian and postmedian lines, and the median area between the two is mostly darker red-brown. The terminal area beyond the postmedian line is divided into a darker basal half and a lighter orange terminal half. The orbicular and reniform spots are large and prominent, lighter orange than the associated ground, and somewhat angular.
Life History
Poorly known. The adults are nocturnal and come to light. There is a single brood each year, with adults flying in summer.
Conservation
A fairly common widespread moth; no concerns.
Diet Info
No Alberta data. Larvae have been reared to 3rd instar on Spiraea latifolia and a willow (Salix bebbiana). (McCabe, 1991 "Atlas of Adirondack caterpillars. New York State Mus. Bull., 470: 1-114
Range
Across the boreal forest of Canada, from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island and the Yukon; south to New England and Wisconsin in the east and north central California and northern New Mexico in the west. In Alberta…
Across the boreal forest of Canada, from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island and the Yukon; south to New England and Wisconsin in the east and north central California and northern New Mexico in the west. In Alberta collected mainly in the foothills, but also in the Cypress Hills and less commonly in the boreal forest region. It has also been collected in the Red Deer River valley at Tolman Bridge.
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Citation
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Page Citation for Xestia oblata
Page Citation
"Species Details - Xestia oblata, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-1545. Accessed 06 Nov. 2024.
References
AuthorLafontaine, J. Donald
TitleNoctuoidea : Noctuidae (part-Noctuini)
Publication Date1998
Pages348
Specimen Information
There are 81 specimens of this Species.
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81 results plotted on map in 36 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.