Common NameGlistening Rustic, Miranda MothSeasonalityAdults 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 NameProxenus mirandaCommon 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…
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).
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.
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Citation
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Page Citation for Proxenus miranda
Page Citation
"Species Details - 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 13 Aug. 2022.
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Taxonomic Hierarchy
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassHexapodaSubclassInsectaOrderLepidopteraSuborderDitrysiaSuperfamilyNoctuoideaFamilyNoctuidaeSubfamilyAmphipyrinaeGenusProxenusSpeciesProxenus miranda
This hierarchy is created from our museum records, it may not always accurately reflect modern taxonomies.
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Taxonomic Hierarchy for University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum