SeasonalityIn Alberta adults have been collected in late July and early August.IdentificationA medium-size (3.6-4.0 cm wingspan) immaculate creamy-white moth. The forewings including fringe are white. The hindwings are also white, with a variable fuscous wash, darker in females than males. Antennae in both sexes essentially filiform. Most likely to be confused with Copablepharon viridisparsum, which is larger, has a slight greenish cast to the forewings, and some evidence of a discal spot on the hindwings. The hindwings of viridisparsum usually have a grey patch in the center, variable in extent. Other white grasslands moths have at least some black markings (i.e. Cucillia luna) or bright orange on the forelegs and venter (i.e. Hyphantria cunea; Spilosoma congrua). This species was only recently described (2004); it was listed by Bowman as Copablepharon album.
Scientific NameProtogygia pallidaHabitat
Open sandy sagebrush grasslands.
Seasonality
In Alberta adults have been collected in late July and early August.
Identification
A medium-size (3.6-4.0 cm wingspan) immaculate creamy-white moth. The forewings including fringe are white. The hindwings are also white, with a variable fuscous wash, darker in females than males. Antennae in both…
A medium-size (3.6-4.0 cm wingspan) immaculate creamy-white moth. The forewings including fringe are white. The hindwings are also white, with a variable fuscous wash, darker in females than males. Antennae in both sexes essentially filiform. Most likely to be confused with Copablepharon viridisparsum, which is larger, has a slight greenish cast to the forewings, and some evidence of a discal spot on the hindwings. The hindwings of viridisparsum usually have a grey patch in the center, variable in extent. Other white grasslands moths have at least some black markings (i.e. Cucillia luna) or bright orange on the forelegs and venter (i.e. Hyphantria cunea; Spilosoma congrua). This species was only recently described (2004); it was listed by Bowman as Copablepharon album.
Life History
Poorly known. Adults are nocturnal and are attracted to light.
Conservation
Known in Alberta (and Canada) only from several historical collections.
Diet Info
No information available.
Range
Southern Alberta south to southern Arizona and New Mexico, and northern Mexico, east to western Nebraska. In Alberta known only from the Lethbridge area.
Citation
Page Citation for Protogygia pallida
Page Citation
"Protogygia pallida, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-5333. Accessed 21 May. 2022.