Hypena californica Behr, 1870
93-0585
WA : Whatcom Co.
Chuckanut Mt., W slope, 958 ft
48.7, -122.5
July 23, 1995, L. G. Crabo.
Specimen courtesy of LGCC
Photograph copyright: Merrill A. Peterson
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Similar Species
Hypena humuli 
Hypena decorata 
Hypena modestoides "species-data"
species-data
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Identification
Adults
Hypena californica is a common moth with long brown, slightly falcate-shaped forewings and relatively large, pale hindwings. It is a small moth (FW length 15 - 17 mm). The forewing color is variable, often slightly glossy smooth purplish brown, but mottled brown and smooth light brown forms occur. The most prominent marks are the small dark orbicular spot and the reniforms spot which appears as two black dots. Both spots are comprised of raised scales of several colors. Another small patch of raised scales at the wing base is only visible under magnification because it is similar to the adjacent ground color. The orbicular and reniform spots are joined by a black bar in a third to one-half of specimens. The lines are faint, the postmedial and subterminal lines are most evident in individuals with paler forewings. The subterminal line is pale, but is often comprised of a series of small black spots. The hindwing is pale yellowish gray variably speckled with gray, a faint thin discal spot, and a thin dark terminal line at the base of the fringe. The palpi are very long and laterally flattened. The antenna is simple in both sexes.
This species is most likely to be confused with Hypena modestoides. H. modestoides has an identical wing shape, but its forewing is more mottled brown than that of H. californica, with a light area across the wing lateral to the postmedial line and a triangular yellow-brown spot at the forewing apex. Plain brown specimens of Hypena humuli also resemble H. californica, but this species has broader wings that lack the slight hook at the apex of H. californica and their color is duller. Some females of Hypena decorata could be confused with H. californica, but this species has a raised patch of scales below the cell in median area between the orbicular and reniform spots that H. californica lacks.
Larva is smooth and dark green with a longitudinal subdorsal white line. It is illustrated by Miller & Hammond (2003).
Habitat
This species is common to abundant in moist forests and riparian habitats west of the Cascades, extending to lower elevations in the northern Rocky Mountain region. Habitats include coastal rainforests, mixed hardwood forests at lower elevations, and riparian zones at higher elevations in the mountains.
Distribution
Pacific Northwest
Hypena californica is widely distributed in forests of southern British Columbia, the area encompassing eastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle, and western Oregon and Washington. It is not found in dry steppe habitats.
Global
This species is found along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to southern California.
Life History
Larvae
This species is a foodplant specialist feeding on nettles (Urtica spp.) in the Urticaceae.
Adults
Adults have a very long flight season, beginning in early spring and lasting until fall. It is bimodal, suggesting the presence of spring and summer broods peaking in April and July, respectively. The moth is nocturnal and is attracted to light.
Economic Importance
This species is of no economic importance.
Literature
Miller & Hammond (2003)
