SeasonalityAdults have been collected in Alberta from late July through early September.IdentificationA medium-size (3.7-4.1 cm wingspan) light yellow-grey or grey-brown moth, frequently with a scattering of yellow scaling in the basal area and around the spots. The antemedian, median and postmedian lines often appear smudged, and the orbicular and reniform are poorly marked or nearly obsolete, or indicated by a patch of yellowish scales. The postmedian line is separate from the median line, and scalloped at the veins. The fringe is concolorous with the rest of the forewing. The hindwings are light brown or grey, with a small discal bar and pale fringes.
Similar to some specimens of E. comosa. Males can be separated by the shorter saccular extensions (2/3 the length of the harpes in vallus, as long or longer in comosa), and females by the absence of sclerotized processes on the apex of the ovipositor lobes (present in comosa).
Euxoa vallus belongs to the subgenus Pleonectopoda, characterized by the prominent twist or subbasal coil in the vesica of the male. There are no characters that can be used to identify females as members of the subgenus. Keys to the subgenus and species are presented in Lafontaine, 1987.
Scientific NameEuxoa vallusHabitat
Higher elevation coniferous forest and open subalpine, at or near treeline.
Seasonality
Adults have been collected in Alberta from late July through early September.
Identification
A medium-size (3.7-4.1 cm wingspan) light yellow-grey or grey-brown moth, frequently with a scattering of yellow scaling in the basal area and around the spots. The antemedian, median and postmedian lines often appear…
A medium-size (3.7-4.1 cm wingspan) light yellow-grey or grey-brown moth, frequently with a scattering of yellow scaling in the basal area and around the spots. The antemedian, median and postmedian lines often appear smudged, and the orbicular and reniform are poorly marked or nearly obsolete, or indicated by a patch of yellowish scales. The postmedian line is separate from the median line, and scalloped at the veins. The fringe is concolorous with the rest of the forewing. The hindwings are light brown or grey, with a small discal bar and pale fringes.
Similar to some specimens of E. comosa. Males can be separated by the shorter saccular extensions (2/3 the length of the harpes in vallus, as long or longer in comosa), and females by the absence of sclerotized processes on the apex of the ovipositor lobes (present in comosa).
Euxoa vallus belongs to the subgenus Pleonectopoda, characterized by the prominent twist or subbasal coil in the vesica of the male. There are no characters that can be used to identify females as members of the subgenus. Keys to the subgenus and species are presented in Lafontaine, 1987.
Life History
Poorly known. There is a single annual brood. Adults are attracted to light. The early stages are unknown.
Conservation
An uncommon or poorly collected species found in rather remote areas, no reasons for concern.
Diet Info
No data. Most members of the genus are general feeders on low-growing broad-leaved plants.
Range
The nominate subspecies, which is the form that occurs in Alberta, is found in the mountains of southern Alberta, southern British Columbia and Washington. In Alberta it has been collected from the Bow valley north to…
The nominate subspecies, which is the form that occurs in Alberta, is found in the mountains of southern Alberta, southern British Columbia and Washington. In Alberta it has been collected from the Bow valley north to the Cardinal Divide.
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Citation
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Page Citation for Euxoa vallus
Page Citation
"Species Details - Euxoa vallus, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-3875. Accessed 31 Aug. 2024.
References
AuthorLafontaine, J. Donald
TitleNoctuoidea : Noctuidae (part)
Publication Date1987
Pages237
AuthorHardwick, D.
TitleThe Genus Euxoa (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in North America. Subgenera Orosagrotis, Longivesica, Chorizagrotis, Pleonectopoda, and Crassivessica.
Publication Date1970
Series TitleMemoirs of the Entomological Society of Canada
Volume37
Specimen Information
There are 47 specimens of this Species.
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47 results plotted on map in 14 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.