Species Details

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…
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.

Citation

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 28 Mar. 2024.

Authorship

Name Anweiler, G. G.
Role species page author
Date 2004-04-26

References

Specimen Information

There are 161 specimens of this Species.

161 results plotted on map in 69 markers.
Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.

BIRD9949 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Arrowwood Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2004-06-26

BIRD9950 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Rochon Sands Provincial Park Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2004-06-27

BIRD9951 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, J.J. Collett Natural Area Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2004-07-06

UASM41438 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Waterton National Park Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2005-07-11

UASM77816 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Waterton National Park Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2005-07-11

UASM77881 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Waterton National Park Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2005-07-12

UASM77882 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Waterton National Park Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2005-07-12

UASM77819 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected1999-06-16

UASM77822 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected1999-06-16

UASM77825 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Dutch Creek Recreation Area Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected1999-06-17

UASM77984 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Buffalo Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2005-06-16

UASM77985 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Buffalo Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2005-06-16

BIRD15447 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Rochon Sands Provincial Park Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2005-05-31

BIRD15448 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Stettler Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2005-06-19

BIRD15449 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Stettler Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2005-06-19

BIRD15450 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Big Knife Provincial Park Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2005-06-29

BIRD15451 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Erskine Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2005-07-01

UASM58697 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Bindloss Collected ByAnweiler, G. G. Date Collected2005-06-15

UASM41255 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Jenner Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.; Schmidt, B. C. Date Collected2005-06-14

BIRD18269 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Stettler Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2006-05-24

BIRD18270 - Proxenus miranda

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Big Knife Provincial Park Collected ByBird, C. D. Date Collected2006-05-30

Adult Seasonal Distribution