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Species Details
Oligia mactata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »
Common NamePrairie Brocade
SeasonalityAdults in Alberta August and early September.
IdentificationA medium-sized (3.0-3.5 cm. wingspan) mottled dark brown-black or black moth. There is a broad diffuse black streak from the base through the fold, obscured in darker specimens. The normal lines and spots are outlined or filled with lighter scales and so stand out, in particular the large reniform and a larger area along the lower half of the wing between the postmedian and subterminal lines. The outer edge of the subterminal line also has a series of small pale wedges between the veins. Hindwings dark fuscous, with an indistinct discal lunule and a thin median band and pale, lightly checkered fringe. Antennae simple. Sexes alike.
Scientific Name
Oligia mactata
Common Name
Prairie Brocade
Habitat
Wooded areas.
Seasonality
Adults in Alberta August and early September.
Identification
A medium-sized (3.0-3.5 cm. wingspan) mottled dark brown-black or black moth. There is a broad diffuse black streak from the base through the fold, obscured in darker specimens. The normal lines and spots are outlined…
A medium-sized (3.0-3.5 cm. wingspan) mottled dark brown-black or black moth. There is a broad diffuse black streak from the base through the fold, obscured in darker specimens. The normal lines and spots are outlined or filled with lighter scales and so stand out, in particular the large reniform and a larger area along the lower half of the wing between the postmedian and subterminal lines. The outer edge of the subterminal line also has a series of small pale wedges between the veins. Hindwings dark fuscous, with an indistinct discal lunule and a thin median band and pale, lightly checkered fringe. Antennae simple. Sexes alike.
Life History
Poorly known. There is a single brood each year, and the adults are nocturnal and come to light. The adults fly in late summer so the wintering stage must be the egg or early instar larvae.
Conservation
A common widespread species; no concerns.
Diet Info
No Alberta data; elsewhere reported to use Pedicularis canadensis, Galium, Vaccinium sp., etc. (Handfield, 1999).
Range
Nova Scotia to British Columbia, south in the mountains east and west. In Alberta found throughout the grasslands and parklands region, as well as in the lower foothills and southern boreal forest.
Citation
Page Citation for Oligia mactata
Page Citation
"Species Details - Oligia mactata, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-5152/9-9341. Accessed 19 May. 2024.
References
Author
Handfield, L.
Title
Le guide des papillons du Quebec.
Publication Date
1999
Pages
536
Specimen Information
There are 134 specimens of this Species.
UASM188563 - Oligia mactata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton
Collected ByFuller, E.
Date Collected1995-08-20
UASM188564 - Oligia mactata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Kettle Valley Provincial Park
Collected ByAnweiler, G.
Date Collected1991-08-22/1991-08-24
UASM188565 - Oligia mactata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: British Columbia, Kettle Valley Provincial Park
Collected ByAnweiler, G.
Date Collected1991-08-22/1991-08-24
UASM188566 - Oligia mactata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park
Collected ByAnweiler, G. G.
Date Collected1999-09-07
UASM188567 - Oligia mactata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Galahad
Collected ByAnweiler
Date Collected1990-09-06
UASM188568 - Oligia mactata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Saskatchewan, Cypress Hills, Pine Cree Regional Park
Collected BySperling, F.
Date Collected2003-08-19
UASM188569 - Oligia mactata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Peace River
Collected ByWalty, D.
Date Collected2003-08-25
BIRD35169 - Oligia mactata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Winfield
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2011-09-03