Hypena abalienalis (Walker, 1859)
93-0566
White-lined Bomolocha Moth
View Photographic Plate
MA : Norfolk Co.
Dedham, 257 Common St, 91 ft
42.3, -71.2
June 02, 1985, LG Crabo.
Specimen courtesy of LGCC
Photograph copyright: Merrill A. Peterson
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Similar Species
Hypena palparia "species-data"
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Identification
Adults
Hypena abalienalis is a dark brown moth with net-like white and yellow lines near the outer margin of the forewing. It is a small (FW length 12 - 14 mm) moth with triangular forewings with a smooth, convex outer margin. The ground color is even smooth brown, nearly unmarked to the postmedial lines in many individuals. The antemedial line is close to the base of the wing and zigzag shape. The smoothly undulating postmedial line is white with yellowish filling. It is broadly outwardly convex below the cell. The area distal to this line is marked with white, gray, and luteous in a complex pattern. The orbicular is a black dot; the reniform spot is usually absent. The hindwing is dark gray, a pale line at the base of the fringe. The palpi are moderately long.
This species is only likely to be confused with Hypena palparia which also occurs in similar forest habitats. The postmedial line of H. palparia is much more irregular than that of H. abalienalis.
Habitat
This species is widely distributed in forest habitats across North America. In the Pacific Northwest, it is moderately common in mixed hardwood forests at low elevations and mixed hardwood-conifer forests at higher elevations west of the Cascades. It appears to favor moist forest habitats.
Distribution
Pacific Northwest
Hypena abalienalis is found in the forests of western British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington.
Global
This species also occurs in eastern North America. It is found as far south as New Jersey along the Atlantic Coast. In the West its range extends into California. There are no records of this species from Alberta on the University of Alberta Strickland Museum site.
Life History
Larvae
This species feeds on hardwoods such as dogwoods (Cornus spp.) in the Cornaceae.
Adults
Adults are on the wing during summer and early fall. Pacific Northwest records span early June to mid-September. This species is nocturnal and comes to light.
Economic Importance
This species is of no economic importance.
Literature
Covell (1984)
Forbes (1954)
