Annaphila arvalis H. Edwards, 1875
93-1738
WA : Kittitas Co.
Reecer Cr. Slope, 4123 ft
47.2, -120.6
March 13, 1988, L. G. Crabo.
Specimen courtesy of LGCC
Photograph copyright: Merrill A. Peterson
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Similar Species
Annaphila danistica "species-data"
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Identification
Adults
Annaphila arvalis is a small (FW length 11 mm) day-flying moth that flies east of the Cascades in very early spring. It has a nondescript gray forewing and a light orange-yellow hindwing with a thin black marginal band. The forewing has a pointed apex and is dusty charcoal gray in color. The markings are reduced to paler gray bands at the positions of the antemedial and postmedial lines. The reniform spot is barely visible as a dark bar. The hindwing ground color is immaculate even light orange. The basal area and inner margin are dark gray, and a thin well-defined black marginal band is present. The fringe is pink. The discal spot is usually absent but occasionally evident as a small gray spot. The head and thorax are hoary charcoal gray with a thick covering of long hair-like scales. The eyes are reduced in size. The male antenna is black and filiform.
This species can usually be recognized by its plain pattern of gray forewings and light orange hindwings. Some females of Annaphila danistica have a similar unmarked central hindwing. They usually have a black discal spot and vestiges of a dark postmedial line at the inner margin. This species has large black spots in the discal cell of the ventral forewing that are absent in A. arvalis.
Habitat
This species appears to be widely distributed in foothill canyon and riparian habitats at middle elevations.
Distribution
Pacific Northwest
Annaphila arvalis has been found in southeastern British Columbia, eastern Washington, and northcentral Oregon in the Northwest. It is most commonly found in the foothills surrounding the Columbia Basin.
Global
The range of this species extends to southern California west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada.
Life History
Larvae
This species is a foodplant specialist feeding on miner's lettuce (Montia perfoliata) in the Portulacaceae.
Adults
Adults are diurnal. They fly in the very early spring, often before the first butterflies emerge. The capture dates from our region are from early March to mid-April.
Economic Importance
None.
Literature
Powell & Opler (2009)
