Species Details
Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »
Common NamePale-edged Snout-moth
SeasonalityAdults are on the wing late June to August.
IdentificationA small (2.2 -2.4 cm wingspan) broad-winged sooty brown moth, resembling a small geometrid. The costal area is broadly paler than the rest of the wing, light tan to dark cream. The remainder of the forewing is dark brown, with the normal lines and fringe marked as pale and fine zigzag lines. The hindwings are similar, crossed by three fine, pale, zigzag lines. Both sets of wings have a narrow, dark scalloped terminal line and light and dark brown checkered fringes. Male antennae are broadly pectinate. Overall, both sexes are similar.
Scientific Name
Mycterophora inexplicata
Common Name
Pale-edged Snout-moth
Habitat
Humid (?) woodland with dead trees and fungi.
Seasonality
Adults are on the wing late June to August.
Identification
A small (2.2 -2.4 cm wingspan) broad-winged sooty brown moth, resembling a small geometrid. The costal area is broadly paler than the rest of the wing, light tan to dark cream. The remainder of the forewing is dark…
A small (2.2 -2.4 cm wingspan) broad-winged sooty brown moth, resembling a small geometrid. The costal area is broadly paler than the rest of the wing, light tan to dark cream. The remainder of the forewing is dark brown, with the normal lines and fringe marked as pale and fine zigzag lines. The hindwings are similar, crossed by three fine, pale, zigzag lines. Both sets of wings have a narrow, dark scalloped terminal line and light and dark brown checkered fringes. Male antennae are broadly pectinate. Overall, both sexes are similar.
Life History
No information available.
Conservation
Although rarely collected, this moth is widespread and there are no obvious concerns.
Diet Info
Apparently unknown. There is some evidence to suggest fungi growing on dead wood, may serve as the larval host.
Range
From New Hampshire and Quebec, west across southern Canada to central and northwestern Alberta. In Alberta, found from the northern Parklands across the Boreal Forest region northwest to Zama City.
Citation
Page Citation for Mycterophora inexplicata
Page Citation
"Species Details - Mycterophora inexplicata, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-902. Accessed 01 Jul. 2025.
References
Author
Handfield, L.
Title
Le guide des papillons du Quebec.
Publication Date
1999
Pages
536
Author
Forbes, William T. M.
Title
Lepidoptera of New York & neighbouring states : Part 3
Publication Date
1954
Series Title
Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station. Memoir
Specimen Information
There are 19 specimens of this Species.
UASM12941 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Bilby
Date Collected1924-07-08
UASM12943 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton
Collected ByMackie, Donald
Date Collected1915-07-18
UASM12958 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Bilby
Collected ByMackie, Donald
Date Collected1924-07-27
UASM12981 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Bilby
Collected ByMackie, Donald
Date Collected1922-07-17
UASM14639 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1922-07-14
UASM14777 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1924-07-09
UASM14778 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1915-07-07
UASM14779 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1924-07-26
UASM14780 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Edmonton
Collected ByBowman, K.
Date Collected1924-07-23
UASM7087 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Tofield
Collected BySchmidt, B. C.
Date Collected2000-07-24
UASM41510 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Demmitt Campground
Collected BySperling, Felix A. H.
Date Collected1998-07-02
BIRD5544 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Erskine
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2000-07-11
BIRD5545 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Erskine
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2000-07-24
BIRD5546 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Nevis
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2001-07-20
BIRD17993 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Stettler
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2006-07-13
BIRD22105 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Big Knife Provincial Park
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2008-07-25
BIRD22106 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Big Knife Provincial Park
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2008-07-25
BIRD31631 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Rochon Sands Provincial Park
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2009-07-26
BIRD33785 - Mycterophora inexplicata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Winfield
Collected ByBird, C. D.
Date Collected2010-07-24