University of Alberta Museums Search

A medium-sized moth (approx. 3.2-2.6 cm wingspan). Forewings either pale grey or more commonly grey-brown, crossed by a faint, doubled antemedian and postmedian line. The most prominent markings are the black filling between the antemedian line and the orbicular, and between the orbicular and the reniform. Orbicular spot quadrangular, not round. There are usually also several small dark marks on the costa and a larger one just basad of the apex. The terminal area is darker shaded. Hindwings light grey-brown with a dark discal mark and pale fringe. Antennae simple, sexes similar. Most like X. smithii, which has a round orbicular and lacks the prominent black scaling before and after.

Adults are nocturnal and come to light. In Alberta adults are on the wing from mid July through early August. The larva is described by Lafontaine (1998). Larvae feed mostly on shrubs, including blueberry (Ericaceae), cherry, raspberry and meadowsweet (Spiraea) (Rosaceae, and sweetfern (Myrica) (Myricaceae) (Crumb 1956).

An eastern species, found from Nova Scotia west to the foothills of Alberta and the Black Hills of South Dakota, south in the east to NC and KY. In AB it is fairly widespread in the Aspen parklands, west to Nordegg and north to Peace River and Touchwood lake near Lac la Biche. Also in the wooded valleys of the grasslands south to Dinosaur P. P. Found in open woods, edges and shrubby areas.