University of Alberta Museums Search

A medium-size (approx. 2.7 cm wingspan) noctuid moth with a pointed rather than rounded forewing apex. The forewings are relatively unmarked rusty or yellow-orange to yellow-tan, crossed by thin reddish or dark brown antemedian and postmedian lines. Both lines start at the lower margin and angle outward in a relatively straight line to or beyond the middle of the wing before angling sharply back to the costa. The hindwings are dirty white to dull black. Mythimna oxygala and Neleucania bicolorata are similar, but are tan, rusty or orange, and lack the cross lines on the forewings.

We have few data. Adults are nocturnal and come to light. The larval hosts are reported to be clover (Trifolium sp.) and Aster sp. Possibly a general feeder. Zosteropoda hirtipes frequent mesic woodlands and meadows, and are reported to be abundant in wet coastal forest in BC. They fly in midsummer; the lone Alberta specimen was collected on July 11, 2005.

Another western moths that barely reaches Alberta in the extreme southwestern corner of the province. One was caught in a UV light trap by Greg Pohl during the 2005 Waterton "Bio-blitz". It should be watched for from the Crowsnest Pass south.