Pacific Northwest Moths

Identification

Adults

Dodia albertae is a dull gray, small to medium-sized (FW length 14–16 mm) tiger moth with broad, translucent wings and a slender body. The forewing is translucent gray with scattered light gray scales on the outer wing. The light gray subterminal line is waved, diffuse, and forms a prominent contrasting light mark at the anterior margin. The hindwing is uniform darker gray with slightly darker veins and marginal band. The head and body are also dark gray. The antennae are filiform.

Dodia species are more likely to be confused with inchworm moths (Geometridae) than other members of the superfamily Noctuoidea. They are most reliably identified as tiger moths by the wing venation and features of the location of the ear (metathoracic tympanum). Dodia tarandus is a similar species that flies in bogs in northern Alberta and Yukon Territory. It probably occurs in British Columbia. It is also translucent gray, but differs from D. albertae in having extensive slightly lighter gray scales and a more striped appearance of the forewing.

Habitat

Dodia albertae is found in open wet areas with willows (Salix spp.) and alders (Alnus spp.), including bogs. It has been collected in forested bogs in northern British Columbia.

Distribution

Pacific Northwest

Dodia albertae is a northerly species. It has been collected in the Peace River region of north-eastern British Columbia and near Stone Mountain Provincial Park, and is likely to be more widely distributed in northern British Columbia.

Global

This species has a Holarctic distribution. In Eurasia it occurs from northern Mongolia to eastern Magadanskaya Oblast. In North America it occurs from Alaska east to eastern Alberta, central Northwest Territory, and east-central Quebec.

Life History

Larvae

The early stages of D. albertae are unknown.

Adults

Adults occur from early June until mid-July. They fly both in the day and night but are most common after midnight. A series of this moth was collected in malaise traps in northern British Columbia.

Economic Importance

None.

Literature

Moth Photographers Group

Schmidt & Macaulay (2009)

Tshistjakov & Lafontaine (1984)