Pacific Northwest Moths

Identification

Adults

Rivula propinqualis is the only Pacific Northwest representative of the subfamily Rivulinae. It is a very small moth (FW length 9 - 10 mm) with pale yellow forewing that are slightly darker at the fringe. The most prominent mark is a dark patch surrounding the reniform spot and often extending to the adjacent costa. The reniform spot is only evident as two small black spots, one at each end. The thin, brown postmedial line is projected toward the apex and appears to form a long loop over the distal area of the forewing. The antemedial line is similar but usually only visible at the posterior margin. The hindwing is lighter, with traces of the postmedial line and a thin terminal line at the base of the fringe in dark specimens.

This species is easily recognized by the combination of small size, pale yellow color, and the brown patch at the reniform spot.

Habitat

This species is widely distributed in moist forests across North America, including both the Rocky Mountain region and west of the Cascades.  It is usually rare, and mostly restricted to lower elevations in coastal rainforests of the Coast Range, mixed hardwood-conifer forests along the west slope of the Cascades, and similar forests of the Rocky Mountains. 

Distribution

Pacific Northwest

Rivula propinqualis is found in moist forests throughout our region.

Global

This species is also found in eastern North America where it occurs from southern Canada to Georgia.

Life History

Larvae

This species has been reported feeding on grasses (Poaceae).

Adults

Adults are found in mid to late summer. Our Pacific Northwest records are from July and August. It is nocturnal and comes to lights.

Literature

BugGuide

Covell (1984)

Forbes (1954)

Moth Photographers Group