Pacific Northwest Moths

Identification

Adults

Drasteria maculosa is a gray and yellow Drasteria from dry steppe in southern Oregon and Idaho. It is fairly small (FW length 15 -17 mm) with streaky medium gray forewings. An oblique band between the antemedial line and median line and a relatively large spot between the reniform spot and postmedial line are whitish gray. The darkest areas are below the cell basal to the antemedial line, below the reniform spot, and at the apex. The anterior subterminal line is preceded by several black wedges. The hindwing is pale yellow with typical black markings for the genus: fused discal spot and postmedial line and separate marginal band. The thorax is gray. The antennae are ciliate in males and simple in females.

This species is similar to Drasteria hudsonica, a species of northern forests. They are not likely to be confused because of the lack of overlap in habitat or range. Drasteria maculosa is generally lighter gray and streakier, and the pale band following the antemedial line and postmedial line near the reniform spot are more obliquely oriented than in D. hudsonica. In addition, D. maculosa lacks a red-brown medial band found in most D. hudsonica.

Habitat

Drasteria maculosa has been collected in very dry, open areas with sand dunes and salt flats.

Distribution

Pacific Northwest

Drasteria maculosa reaches its northern limit in the Pacific Northwest. It has only been encountered in southern Harney County, Oregon and on the Snake River Plain in southern Idaho.

Global

This species occurs in the deserts of southwestern North America.

Life History

Larvae

The foodplant of this species is unknown.

Adults

The only Pacific Northwest records of this species are from July and early August. It is nocturnal and comes to light

Economic Importance

None.

Literature

Moth Photographers Group