Phalaenophana pyramusalis

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

Common NameDark-banded Owlet SeasonalityAdults are on the wing in June and July. IdentificationA small (2.1-2.5 cm. wingspan) delicate pale tan or grey-brown moth. The forewings are crossed by several poorly defined bands, with the subterminal widest and darkest. The upper half of the outer margin of the forewings is slightly excavated, and the apex comes to a small point as a result. The orbicular is indicated by a few dark scales. The reniform is a small dark dot, with a second similar dot mirroring it just below. The hindwings are slightly paler with indistinct bands. Both fore and hindwings have a thin, dark terminal line. Both sexes are similar, but the male antennae have sparse long bristles while the females are simple. The two small dots at the reniform are the best identification mark. This moth superficially looks more like a small geometrid than a noctuid.

Scientific Name Phalaenophana pyramusalis Common Name Dark-banded Owlet Habitat Damp wooded areas. Seasonality Adults are on the wing in June and July. Identification

A small (2.1-2.5 cm. wingspan) delicate pale tan or grey-brown moth. The forewings are crossed by several poorly defined bands, with the subterminal widest and darkest. The upper half of the outer margin of the forewings is slightly excavated, and the apex comes to a small point as a result. The orbicular is indicated by a few dark scales. The reniform is a small dark dot, with a second similar dot mirroring it just below. The hindwings are slightly paler with indistinct bands. Both fore and hindwings have a thin, dark terminal line. Both sexes are similar, but the male antennae have sparse long bristles while the females are simple. The two small dots at the reniform are the best identification mark. This moth superficially looks more like a small geometrid than a noctuid.

Life History Little information available. The adults are nocturnal and come to light. Conservation No obvious concerns. Diet Info The larvae are reported to feed on wilted or dead leaves, and on leaves black with decay. Range Eastern North America, west across Canada to central Saskatchewan and central Alberta. In Alberta it has been collected along the southern part of the Boreal forest, west to Edmonton.

Page Citation

"Species Details - Phalaenophana pyramusalis, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-661/9-7771. Accessed 02 Jan. 2025.

44 results plotted on map in 14 markers.
Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.

UASM12836 - Phalaenophana pyramusalis

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton Collected ByBowman, K. Date Collected1942-06-14

UASM12848 - Phalaenophana pyramusalis

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton Collected ByBowman, K. Date Collected1945-06-20

UASM12887 - Phalaenophana pyramusalis

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton Collected ByBowman, K. Date Collected1944-06-19

UASM12904 - Phalaenophana pyramusalis

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton Collected ByBowman, K. Date Collected1950-06-30

UASM12913 - Phalaenophana pyramusalis

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton Collected ByBowman, K. Date Collected1942-06-09

UASM7077 - Phalaenophana pyramusalis

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Tofield Collected BySchmidt, B. C. Date Collected2000-06-04

UASM41905 - Phalaenophana pyramusalis

University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum

Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Lac La Biche Collected ByPohl, G. & others Date Collected1994-06-22