Common NameWandering BrocadeSeasonalityAlberta adults in August and September, peaking in early September.IdentificationA medium-size (3.6- 4.3 cm wingspan) mottled red-brown and grey-brown moth. The antemedian and postmedian lines are marked in black, the latter "toothed" outward at each vein. The basal area and in particular the lower median area mahogany red. The orbicular spot is a large oval similar in color to the ground and often difficult to see. The most prominent markings are the white reniform spot and a larger and less defined white patch in the anal angle beyond the postmedian line. The subterminal line is an incomplete, sinuous line of pale scales. The hindwings are sooty brown or grey, darker on the outer half, with a faint dark discal spot and two narrow darker bands. Sexes similar, but females usually somewhat darker. Male antennae bipectinate; female simple.
The larvae is orange-tan to grey-green with the dorsum darker than the venter and an off white lateral line, and is illustrated in color in Miller and Hammond, 2003.
Scientific NameOligia illocataCommon Name
Wandering Brocade
Habitat
Mesic deciduous and mixedwood forest and woodland.
Seasonality
Alberta adults in August and September, peaking in early September.
Identification
A medium-size (3.6- 4.3 cm wingspan) mottled red-brown and grey-brown moth. The antemedian and postmedian lines are marked in black, the latter "toothed" outward at each vein. The basal area and in particular the…
A medium-size (3.6- 4.3 cm wingspan) mottled red-brown and grey-brown moth. The antemedian and postmedian lines are marked in black, the latter "toothed" outward at each vein. The basal area and in particular the lower median area mahogany red. The orbicular spot is a large oval similar in color to the ground and often difficult to see. The most prominent markings are the white reniform spot and a larger and less defined white patch in the anal angle beyond the postmedian line. The subterminal line is an incomplete, sinuous line of pale scales. The hindwings are sooty brown or grey, darker on the outer half, with a faint dark discal spot and two narrow darker bands. Sexes similar, but females usually somewhat darker. Male antennae bipectinate; female simple.
The larvae is orange-tan to grey-green with the dorsum darker than the venter and an off white lateral line, and is illustrated in color in Miller and Hammond, 2003.
Life History
Poorly known. There is a single annual brood, with adults appearing in early fall. The larvae are solitary defoliators of various hardwood and deciduous shrubs.
Adults are attracted to both light and sugar bait.
Conservation
A fairly common, widespread species; no concerns.
Diet Info
Larvae feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs, including alder (Alnus), willow (Salix), cottonwood (Populus), white birch (Betula papyrifera) and buffaloberry (Shepherdia) (Prentice, 1962). Also red alder (Alnus…
Larvae feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs, including alder (Alnus), willow (Salix), cottonwood (Populus), white birch (Betula papyrifera) and buffaloberry (Shepherdia) (Prentice, 1962). Also red alder (Alnus rubra), Rhododendron, and red blueberry (Vaccinium parviflorum) (Miller and Hammond, 2003).
Range
Transcontinental (Newfoundland to Vancouver Island) in the southern boreal forest and mountains; south in the east to Kentucky and Missouri. In Alberta it has been collected in the boreal forest and foothills, north…
Transcontinental (Newfoundland to Vancouver Island) in the southern boreal forest and mountains; south in the east to Kentucky and Missouri. In Alberta it has been collected in the boreal forest and foothills, north to about Slave Lake and south to Calgary. Probably more widespread, but poorly sampled due to the late flight date.
//Citation and Rights Box - in-page ?>
Citation
//Citation and Rights Drawer - slide out ?>
Page Citation for Oligia illocata
Page Citation
"Species Details - Oligia illocata, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-5151. Accessed 05 Oct. 2024.
References
AuthorCovell, C. V., Jr.
TitleA field guide to the moths of eastern North America.
Publication Date1984
Pages496
AuthorHandfield, L.
TitleLe guide des papillons du Quebec.
Publication Date1999
Pages536
Specimen Information
There are 108 specimens of this Species.
//Map Distribution ?>
108 results plotted on map in 30 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.