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Species Details

Spodoptera praefica

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

Common NameWestern Yellowstriped Armyworm IdentificationA medium size moth (ws= cm) with medium brown forewings marked with both lighter yellow brown and darker brown. The normal lines and spots are partially outlined with fine pale lines. The area along the cubital vein between the orbicular and reniform is white, and the orbicular is frequently outlined and partially filled with pale scales as well. There is a series of short black streaks between the veins in the subterminal area, and thin white subterminal and terminal lines. Fringe dark brown streaked with white at the veins. The hindwings of males are dirty white with dark scales along the veins, a thin dark incomplete terminal line, and a light fringe. Sexes similar but females with darker hindwings. The forewing pattern is rather difficult to describe, but quite distinctive.
Scientific Name Spodoptera praefica Common Name Western Yellowstriped Armyworm Habitat In Alberta it has been found only in the dry grasslands region in the Milk River valley at Writing-on-stone Provincial Park. Identification
A medium size moth (ws= cm) with medium brown forewings marked with both lighter yellow brown and darker brown. The normal lines and spots are partially outlined with fine pale lines. The area along the cubital vein…
A medium size moth (ws= cm) with medium brown forewings marked with both lighter yellow brown and darker brown. The normal lines and spots are partially outlined with fine pale lines. The area along the cubital vein between the orbicular and reniform is white, and the orbicular is frequently outlined and partially filled with pale scales as well. There is a series of short black streaks between the veins in the subterminal area, and thin white subterminal and terminal lines. Fringe dark brown streaked with white at the veins. The hindwings of males are dirty white with dark scales along the veins, a thin dark incomplete terminal line, and a light fringe. Sexes similar but females with darker hindwings. The forewing pattern is rather difficult to describe, but quite distinctive.
Life History
In Alberta, probably not a permanent resident, with adults migrating in from further south in late summer. Adults are nocturnal and come to light. The caterpillars are general feeders on a wide variety of broad-leaved…
In Alberta, probably not a permanent resident, with adults migrating in from further south in late summer. Adults are nocturnal and come to light. The caterpillars are general feeders on a wide variety of broad-leaved plants, including a number of agricultural crops such as potatoes and sugar beets.
Diet Info The caterpillars are general feeders on a wide variety of broad-leaved plants, including a number of agricultural crops such as potatoes and sugar beets. The larvae are reported to feed during the day. Range A southwestern species, ranging from extreme southern Alberta and southeastern BC south and west to at least California. Notes The Western Yellowstriped Armyworm barely reaches Canada from the southwest, and is a rare moth in extreme southern Alberta. Further south it is a serious agricultural pest on a variety of crops.
Spodoptera praefica
Spodoptera praefica

Citation

Page Citation for Spodoptera praefica

Page Citation

"Species Details - Spodoptera praefica, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-5135. Accessed 14 Aug. 2022.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom Animalia Phylum Arthropoda Class Hexapoda Subclass Insecta Order Lepidoptera Suborder Ditrysia Superfamily Noctuoidea Family Noctuidae Subfamily Amphipyrinae Genus Spodoptera Species Spodoptera praefica
This hierarchy is created from our museum records, it may not always accurately reflect modern taxonomies.

Taxonomic Hierarchy for University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum