Species Details

Helotropha reniformis

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »

Common NameKidney-spotted Rustic IdentificationA medium-size (approx. 3.5-4.0 cm wingspan) dark red-brown moth. There are two forms. The "normal" form has dark red-brown forewings, with a broad contrasting lighter yellow-brown subterminal band. The normal lines and spots are poorly defined, except for the orbicular which is outlined in lighter brown and the prominent narrow boomerang-shaped reniform, which in outlined and partly filled with bright white. The white scales frequently run along the veins, connecting the lower end with the pale subterminal band. Form atra has almost completely dark brown, almost black, forewings, unmarked except for the white or pale yellow reniform. The normal pattern is visible only with close scrutiny. The hindwings in both forms are lighter sooty brown. Antennae are simple and the sexes are similar. Specimens of form atra are very easy to mistake for darker specimens of Apamea cogitata. Apamea cogitata shows no trace of the short black basal streak, faint claviform spot and antemedian and postmedian lines that can barely be made out in atra.

Scientific Name Helotropha reniformis Common Name Kidney-spotted Rustic Habitat Mesic meadows and woodlands; wooded riparian areas. Identification
A medium-size (approx. 3.5-4.0 cm wingspan) dark red-brown moth. There are two forms. The "normal" form has dark red-brown forewings, with a broad contrasting lighter yellow-brown subterminal band. The normal lines…
A medium-size (approx. 3.5-4.0 cm wingspan) dark red-brown moth. There are two forms. The "normal" form has dark red-brown forewings, with a broad contrasting lighter yellow-brown subterminal band. The normal lines and spots are poorly defined, except for the orbicular which is outlined in lighter brown and the prominent narrow boomerang-shaped reniform, which in outlined and partly filled with bright white. The white scales frequently run along the veins, connecting the lower end with the pale subterminal band. Form atra has almost completely dark brown, almost black, forewings, unmarked except for the white or pale yellow reniform. The normal pattern is visible only with close scrutiny. The hindwings in both forms are lighter sooty brown. Antennae are simple and the sexes are similar. Specimens of form atra are very easy to mistake for darker specimens of Apamea cogitata. Apamea cogitata shows no trace of the short black basal streak, faint claviform spot and antemedian and postmedian lines that can barely be made out in atra.
Life History
The adults are nocturnal and come to light. There is a single brood annually, with adults flying in late summer and early fall. The larvae are borers in the stems of monocots, in particular sedges (Carex sp.).…
The adults are nocturnal and come to light. There is a single brood annually, with adults flying in late summer and early fall. The larvae are borers in the stems of monocots, in particular sedges (Carex sp.). Reported to sometimes damage young corn in Ohio. They overwinter in the egg stage.
Range Maritimes south to Virginia, west to BC and California. It occurs throughout most of Alberta, with the exception of the mountains and most of the foothills.

Citation

Page Citation for Helotropha reniformis

Page Citation

"Species Details - Helotropha reniformis, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-6388. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Authorship

Name Anweiler, G. G.
Role species page author
Date 2007

References

Specimen Information

There are 25 specimens of this Species.

25 results plotted on map in 9 markers.
Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.

UASM129053 - Helotropha reniformis

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedUnited States: Washington, Grant county Collected ByTroubridge, J. Date Collected1997-08-05

UASM129054 - Helotropha reniformis

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedUnited States: Washington, Grant county Collected ByTroubridge, J. Date Collected1997-08-05

UASM129055 - Helotropha reniformis

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Ontario, Pike Lake Collected ByMorton, J. Date Collected1998-07-21

UASM129056 - Helotropha reniformis

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Red Deer River Collected ByWeisgarber; Anweiler Date Collected2001-09-07

Adult Seasonal Distribution