Mycterophora inexplicata Walker 1866
93-0674
QC
laniel, 1002 ft
47.0, -79.3
July 22, 1936, HF.
Specimen courtesy of LGCC
Photograph copyright: Merrill A. Peterson
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Similar Species
Mycterophora longipalpata Data Filters
Date Range
Elevation (ft)
Identification
Adults
Mycterophora inexplicata is a small (FW length 11 mm), rare northern species that resembles an inchworm moth more than most members of the superfamily Noctuoidea. Both wings are dull brownish gray, hindwings slightly lighter than the forewings, with weakly scalloped edges. The costa of the forewing is nearly unmarked dull yellow, except dark gray at the apex. The postmedial lines of both wings are dark, evident mostly as dark crescents between veins. The forewing subterminal line is pale. A faint hindwing marginal band is also strongest between the veins. The palpi are long. The male antenna is broadly bipectinate while that of the female is simple.
This species is most similar to Mycterophora longipalpata, a more common and widespread species in our region. However, M. longipalpata lacks the yellow costa of M. inexplicata, its lines are not interrupted by the veins, and it has dark discal spots on both wings that are lacking in M. inexplicata.
Habitat
No information is presently available for this species in the West. It is most likely that it flies in boreal forests.
Distribution
Pacific Northwest
Mycterophora inexplicata has been found in west-central British Columbia near Terrace. It has not been collected further south. This species has been collected near border with British Columbia along the Peace River in western Alberta.
Global
This species occurs across the Continent in boreal forest. In the East it occurs in southern Canada, ranging as far south as the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It is uncommon to rare across its range.
Life History
Larvae
No information is presently available regarding larval foodplants for this species.
Adults
This species is single brooded and flies in July. It is nocturnal and comes to light.
