SeasonalityAdults have been collected in Alberta from late June through July.IdentificationA medium-size moth (4.0-4.4 cm wingspan). Forewings grey-brown, somewhat mottled with coppery brown or paler grey patches. Basal and antemedian lines poorly defined, often doubled, postmedian line usually not doubled, obscure and shortly toothed at the veins. Orbicular spot large, circular, and it and the reniform spot each have a dark outer ring, pale inner ring and a dark center. The short claviform is usually discernable. Terminal area slightly darker than rest of wing; fringe concolorous. Hindwings pale grey or dirty white suffused with smoky brown, heaviest toward the margin, and with a small discal spot and white fringes with a brown basal line. Female hindwings with more dark suffusion than male. Very similar to E. pleuritica, but larger, darker brown on all wings, and males with shorter saccular extensions. Also very similar to E. pestula, which is smaller, darker and usually has clearer markings.
Euxoa simona 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 simonaHabitat
Primarily montane grasslands, but also on the arid "high plains" grasslands.
Seasonality
Adults have been collected in Alberta from late June through July.
Identification
A medium-size moth (4.0-4.4 cm wingspan). Forewings grey-brown, somewhat mottled with coppery brown or paler grey patches. Basal and antemedian lines poorly defined, often doubled, postmedian line usually not doubled,…
A medium-size moth (4.0-4.4 cm wingspan). Forewings grey-brown, somewhat mottled with coppery brown or paler grey patches. Basal and antemedian lines poorly defined, often doubled, postmedian line usually not doubled, obscure and shortly toothed at the veins. Orbicular spot large, circular, and it and the reniform spot each have a dark outer ring, pale inner ring and a dark center. The short claviform is usually discernable. Terminal area slightly darker than rest of wing; fringe concolorous. Hindwings pale grey or dirty white suffused with smoky brown, heaviest toward the margin, and with a small discal spot and white fringes with a brown basal line. Female hindwings with more dark suffusion than male. Very similar to E. pleuritica, but larger, darker brown on all wings, and males with shorter saccular extensions. Also very similar to E. pestula, which is smaller, darker and usually has clearer markings.
Euxoa simona 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
There is a single annual brood, and the adults come to lights. The immature stages are unknown.
Conservation
Uncommon in Alberta which is at the northern and eastern edge of its range.
Diet Info
No data. Related species of Euxoa, where known, are general feeders on a variety of low broad-leaved plants.
Range
Southern Alberta and British Columbia south to Colorado and northern California. In Alberta it has been collected in the southern parts of the shortgrass prairie region, northwest to the foothills near Calgary.
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Citation
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Page Citation for Euxoa simona
Page Citation
"Species Details - Euxoa simona, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-4247. Accessed 13 Dec. 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 27 specimens of this Species.
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27 results plotted on map in 16 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.