Species Details

Abagrotis alternata

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

SeasonalityAdults have been collected in Alberta in August. IdentificationA relatively large Abagrotis (3.8-4.3 cm wingspan). The forewings of males are dark red-brown, while those of females are usually lighter orange-brown. The markings consist of faint, doubled antemedian and postmedian lines, and a small oval orbicular and an elongate vertical reniform, both finely outlined in pale yellow-brown scales and at least partially filled with grey scales. The terminal area is usually paler and sharply defined from the remainder of the wing. The hindwings are dull brown-black with orange-brown fringe. The large size, dark red or orange-brown color and relatively complete pattern will separate alternata from the other Alberta species of Abagrotis. See also Abagrotis placida and cupida.

Scientific Name Abagrotis alternata Habitat Open woodland, shrubby areas, gardens and orchards, etc. Seasonality Adults have been collected in Alberta in August. Identification
A relatively large Abagrotis (3.8-4.3 cm wingspan). The forewings of males are dark red-brown, while those of females are usually lighter orange-brown. The markings consist of faint, doubled antemedian and postmedian…
A relatively large Abagrotis (3.8-4.3 cm wingspan). The forewings of males are dark red-brown, while those of females are usually lighter orange-brown. The markings consist of faint, doubled antemedian and postmedian lines, and a small oval orbicular and an elongate vertical reniform, both finely outlined in pale yellow-brown scales and at least partially filled with grey scales. The terminal area is usually paler and sharply defined from the remainder of the wing. The hindwings are dull brown-black with orange-brown fringe. The large size, dark red or orange-brown color and relatively complete pattern will separate alternata from the other Alberta species of Abagrotis. See also Abagrotis placida and cupida.
Life History
Abagrotis alternata have a single annual brood, with adults appearing in late summer. The larvae have been described and illustrated by Rings (1971). They are climbing cutworms and general feeders on a range of…
Abagrotis alternata have a single annual brood, with adults appearing in late summer. The larvae have been described and illustrated by Rings (1971). They are climbing cutworms and general feeders on a range of plants. In eastern North America they occasionally become serious pests on vegetable crops and in particular fruit trees, where they damage buds and new growth. The young larvae overwinter, and are reported to feed on dead leaves during the winter in warmer areas, developing through several instars and switching to new growth when it appears in spring. The adults are attracted to both light and sugar baits.
Conservation Uncommon at the northwestern edge of their range in Alberta. Diet Info The larvae have been found feeding on a wide variety of trees, shrubs and herbs including cherry and plum (Prunus), strawberry (Fragaria), tomato, potato, cabbage and oak (Quercus sp.) (Rings, 1971). Range
An eastern species, occurring from New Brunswick west across southern Canada to western Alberta, south to Arizona, New Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico. In Alberta it has been collected in the dryer southern part of the…
An eastern species, occurring from New Brunswick west across southern Canada to western Alberta, south to Arizona, New Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico. In Alberta it has been collected in the dryer southern part of the province, north to about Calgary and Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Abagrotis alternata
Abagrotis alternata
Abagrotis alternata
Abagrotis alternata

Citation

Page Citation for Abagrotis alternata

Page Citation

"Species Details - Abagrotis alternata, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-3710. Accessed 07 Dec. 2024.

References

Specimen Information

There are 46 specimens of this Species.

46 results plotted on map in 16 markers.
Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.

UASM2426 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Willow Creek Provincial Park Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected1991-08-27

UASM2427 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Dinosaur Provincial Park Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected1999-08-13

UASM34654 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Saskatchewan, Melville Beach Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected1990-08-02/1990-08-09

UASM34656 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Saskatchewan, Melville Beach Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2000-08-04/2000-08-05

UASM34657 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Saskatchewan, Melville Beach Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2000-08-04/2000-08-05

UASM34658 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Saskatchewan, Melville Beach Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2000-08-04/2000-08-05

BIRD16142 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Arrowwood Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2005-07-30

UASM58736 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Taber Collected ByPike, Edward Marshall Date Collected2000-07-31

BIRD18810 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Arrowwood Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2006-07-29

UASM105078 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2002-09-03

UASM105079 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2002-09-03

UASM105080 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2002-09-03

UASM105081 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Sandy Point Campground Collected ByTroubridge, J.; Anweiler, G. G. Date Collected2001-08-13

UASM105082 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Saskatchewan, Crooked Lake Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2000-08-05/2000-08-06

UASM105083 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Saskatchewan, Crooked Lake Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2000-08-05/2000-08-06

UASM105084 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Saskatchewan, Crooked Lake Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected1992-08-02

UASM105085 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Saskatchewan, Crooked Lake Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected1992-08-02

UASM105088 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: New Brunswick, Edmundston Collected ByHensel, H. Date Collected2002-08-10

UASM105089 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: New Brunswick, York county Collected ByWebster, R. P. Date Collected1992-07-25

UASM105090 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedUnited States: Michigan, Chippewa county, Drummond Island Collected ByTroubridge, J.; Lafontaine Date Collected2003-07-31

UASM105091 - Abagrotis alternata

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedUnited States: Michigan, Chippewa county, Drummond Island Collected ByTroubridge, J.; Lafontaine Date Collected2003-08-01

Adult Seasonal Distribution