SeasonalityAdults have been collected in Alberta early August through early September.IdentificationA medium-size (3.0-4.3 cm wingspan) brownish-pink hepialid moth. The forewings are crossed by a silver-white band that starts out as a basal streak, bends sharply down to the lower wing margin, and then angles up to the apex. Other markings are confined to a few, tiny white spots along the costa or lower margin in some specimens. The hindwings are crossed by one or two diffuse grey bands, or are suffused with light grey. Females are larger than males. The similar G. hyperborea is larger, and has a large white spot in the median area just below the costa. G. roseicaput is confined to the mountains, is darker red-brown, and has the band broken into a series of spots.
Scientific NameGazoryctra novigannusHabitat
Meadows, grasslands and woodland edges.
Seasonality
Adults have been collected in Alberta early August through early September.
Identification
A medium-size (3.0-4.3 cm wingspan) brownish-pink hepialid moth. The forewings are crossed by a silver-white band that starts out as a basal streak, bends sharply down to the lower wing margin, and then angles up to…
A medium-size (3.0-4.3 cm wingspan) brownish-pink hepialid moth. The forewings are crossed by a silver-white band that starts out as a basal streak, bends sharply down to the lower wing margin, and then angles up to the apex. Other markings are confined to a few, tiny white spots along the costa or lower margin in some specimens. The hindwings are crossed by one or two diffuse grey bands, or are suffused with light grey. Females are larger than males. The similar G. hyperborea is larger, and has a large white spot in the median area just below the costa. G. roseicaput is confined to the mountains, is darker red-brown, and has the band broken into a series of spots.
Life History
Adults are attracted to UV light. There is a single brood each year.
Conservation
An uncommon but widespread species, no concerns.
Diet Info
No data. Several related Palearctic members of the genus feed on the roots of grasses.
Range
From at least Quebec, west to the Rocky Mountains. In Alberta, they have been collected in the boreal forest (Ft. McMurray area) southward, throughout the Aspen Parklands and the arid Grasslands region, as well as in…
From at least Quebec, west to the Rocky Mountains. In Alberta, they have been collected in the boreal forest (Ft. McMurray area) southward, throughout the Aspen Parklands and the arid Grasslands region, as well as in the mountains.
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Citation
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Page Citation for Gazoryctra novigannus
Page Citation
"Species Details - Gazoryctra novigannus, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-2296. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.