Proxenus miranda

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

Common NameGlistening Rustic, Miranda Moth SeasonalityAdults have been collected in Alberta from early June to mid August. IdentificationA small (2.5 cm wingspan) somewhat long-winged moth, with glistening sooty or brownish black forewings and white hindwings, the later darkening gradually on the outer third. Markings on the forewings confined to a small black point marking the orbicular and reniform spots, the latter partially outlined with light scales. P. mendosa is similar in appearance, but the forewings are paler silky grey-brown instead of black. Mendosa also has a paler head, which contrasts with the abdomen, and usually also has a prominent discal mark on the dorsal hindwing. Male miranda also lack the massive hair brush of long, soft hairs at the tip of the abdomen found in males of mendosa. Western populations of miranda, including those of Alberta, have been named ssp. nitens, which is described as larger and darker than nominate eastern miranda. Until recently, miranda was placed in the genus Athetis.

Scientific Name Proxenus miranda Common Name Glistening Rustic, Miranda Moth Habitat Wooded areas; meadows. Seasonality Adults have been collected in Alberta from early June to mid August. Identification

A small (2.5 cm wingspan) somewhat long-winged moth, with glistening sooty or brownish black forewings and white hindwings, the later darkening gradually on the outer third. Markings on the forewings confined to a small black point marking the orbicular and reniform spots, the latter partially outlined with light scales. P. mendosa is similar in appearance, but the forewings are paler silky grey-brown instead of black. Mendosa also has a paler head, which contrasts with the abdomen, and usually also has a prominent discal mark on the dorsal hindwing. Male miranda also lack the massive hair brush of long, soft hairs at the tip of the abdomen found in males of mendosa. Western populations of miranda, including those of Alberta, have been named ssp. nitens, which is described as larger and darker than nominate eastern miranda. Until recently, miranda was placed in the genus Athetis.

Life History Poorly known. Adults are nocturnal and come to light. August records in Alberta may indicate a second brood. Conservation A common widespread species; no concerns. Diet Info

Reported larval hosts include dandelion (Taraxacum), cantaloupe, Sugar beet, strawberry (Fragaria), and sweet potato. Larvae have also been found under matted alfalfa (Medicago) (Covell, 1984; Rings et al, 1992).

Range NS and NJ west across southern Canada to southern Vancouver Island, south to CA. Found throughout most of the wooded parts of Alberta, from the north side of Lake Athabasca to the Milk River.

Page Citation

"Proxenus miranda, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-4566. Accessed 27 Oct. 2021.

Kingdom Animalia Phylum Arthropoda Class Hexapoda Subclass Insecta Order Lepidoptera Suborder Ditrysia Superfamily Noctuoidea Family Noctuidae Subfamily Amphipyrinae Genus Proxenus Species Proxenus miranda

This hierarchy is created from our museum records, it may not always accurately reflect modern taxonomies.

Kingdom Animalia
- Phylum Arthropoda
  - Subphylum Chelicerata
    - Class Arachnida
  - Class Hexapoda
    - Subclass Insecta

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Species Details