Common NameElegant ProminentSeasonalityAdults in Alberta late May through mid-July, larvae from late June through September.IdentificationA rather large (4.5-6 cm. wingspan) moth with dark slate-grey forewings, shading to paler gray toward the lower margin . The forewing margin is somewhat scalloped, with a short, white basal line with pale orange scaling below and a prominent "tooth" midway along the lower margin. The hindwing is white, shading to dark grey in the anal angle. Unmistakable.
Scientific NameOdontosia elegansCommon Name
Elegant Prominent
Habitat
Mature poplar forest and mixedwood forest with poplars.
Seasonality
Adults in Alberta late May through mid-July, larvae from late June through September.
Identification
A rather large (4.5-6 cm. wingspan) moth with dark slate-grey forewings, shading to paler gray toward the lower margin . The forewing margin is somewhat scalloped, with a short, white basal line with pale orange…
A rather large (4.5-6 cm. wingspan) moth with dark slate-grey forewings, shading to paler gray toward the lower margin . The forewing margin is somewhat scalloped, with a short, white basal line with pale orange scaling below and a prominent "tooth" midway along the lower margin. The hindwing is white, shading to dark grey in the anal angle. Unmistakable.
Life History
The adults are nocturnal and come to light. There is a single brood, and the larvae are solitary defoliators. They overwinter in the pupal stage.
Conservation
A widespread and fairly common species; no concerns.
Diet Info
No Alberta data available; elsewhere poplars. Canadian records (Prentice et al. 1962) are all from aspen poplar (Populus tremuloides).
Range
Transcontinental across southern Canada, in particular in the parkland and southern boreal forest region, south to Texas. In Alberta found across the aspen parklands and the foothills, north into the boreal forest at…
Transcontinental across southern Canada, in particular in the parkland and southern boreal forest region, south to Texas. In Alberta found across the aspen parklands and the foothills, north into the boreal forest at least to the Ft. McMurray area.
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Citation
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Page Citation for Odontosia elegans
Page Citation
"Species Details - Odontosia elegans, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-398. Accessed 15 Sep. 2024.
References
AuthorPrentice, R. M.
TitleForest Lepidoptera of Canada. (1962)
Publication Date1962
Volume2
Pages281
Specimen Information
There are 71 specimens of this Species.
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71 results plotted on map in 29 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.