Common NamePrairie BrocadeSeasonalityAdults 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 NameOligia mactataCommon 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.
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Citation
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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. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
References
AuthorHandfield, L.
TitleLe guide des papillons du Quebec.
Publication Date1999
Pages536
Specimen Information
There are 134 specimens of this Species.
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134 results plotted on map in 54 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.