IdentificationA small (1.7-2.1 cm wingspan) broad winged dark yellow-brown and grey moth. Specimens of most Eupithecia species, including maestosa, are best identified by examining the genitalia (illustrated below). The absence of a white spot in the tornal area of the forewing will separate it from the very similar Eupithecia columbiata.
Scientific NameEupithecia maestosaHabitat
Frequents wooded and shrubby areas.
Identification
A small (1.7-2.1 cm wingspan) broad winged dark yellow-brown and grey moth. Specimens of most Eupithecia species, including maestosa, are best identified by examining the genitalia (illustrated below). The absence of…
A small (1.7-2.1 cm wingspan) broad winged dark yellow-brown and grey moth. Specimens of most Eupithecia species, including maestosa, are best identified by examining the genitalia (illustrated below). The absence of a white spot in the tornal area of the forewing will separate it from the very similar Eupithecia columbiata.
Life History
Poorly known. Adults are nocturnal and come to light. The larvae have been described by McGuffin (1958). The larval host or hosts are unknown.
Range
A western species, found from extreme western AB west to Vancouver Island, north to northern BC and south to Texas. In Alberta known only from Waterton Lakes National Park (Bolte, 1990).
Notes
The illustrated adult on the Moths of Canada website with white tornal spots appears to be a misidentified specimen of E. columbiata. Specimens of both sexes are illustrated in color, life size, in Bolte (op cit.).
Citation
Page Citation for Eupithecia maestosa
Page Citation
"Species Details - Eupithecia maestosa, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-6171. Accessed 29 Jun. 2022.