Neoligia albirena Troubridge & Lafontaine, 2002

93-2401

Identification

Adults

Neoligia albirena is an uncommon small moth (FW length 10–11 mm) that occurs east of the Cascades during the summer. It has a mottled, dark gray forewing that most often has a charcoal gray base and median area, and a whitish reniform spot. The distribution of dark areas on the forewing is variable. The basal and median portions are usually nearly black, as is a triangular spot in the subterminal and terminal areas near the anal angle in some specimens. The median area distal to the reniform spot and the proximal subterminal area area mottled medium-dark gray, with whiter silvery gray in the subterminal area in a few individuals. Most specimens have dark veins across the subterminal area. The terminal area is dark gray, similar to the proximal dark areas but often lighter. Lighter specimens have mottled gray proximal to the antemedial line and dark gray or wine-red median areas. A short but thick black median dash is present, although this is obscured if the median area is very dark. The basal, antemedial, and postmedial lines are gray, double, only clearly seen in specimens with lighter adjacent color. The antemedial line is slightly irregular, bulging slightly toward the outer margin in the fold and incurved on the posterior margin. The median line is a spot on the costa. The postmedial line is finely scalloped, S-shaped, tightly curved around the reniform spot and concave toward the base below the spot. The subterminal line is pale gray, irregular, preceded by a gray shade in most specimens. The fringe is checkered medium and dark gray, with a black spot near the anal angle in specimens with a black mark on the adjacent wing. The orbicular spot is round, usually completely obscured by the adjacent dark gray but filled with light gray in a few specimens. The reniform spot is moderate-sized, kidney-shaped, filled with whitish gray and a gray spot at the lower end. The claviform spot is absent. The hindwing is light tan-gray with darker gray toward the margin and a dark thin terminal line. The hindwing fringe is two-toned gray. The head and thorax are dark gray, black in dark specimens. The male antenna is filiform.

This species can sometimes be identified due to the combination of small size, dark gray wing with subtle wine tints in the median area and a pale reniform spot. The darkest specimens are most characteristic and the lighter mottled ones are similar to other Neoligia species, particularly Neoligia lillooet which is found in southern British Columbia, and Neoligia lancea which is more widespread. Positive identification requires examination of the genitalia. The ventral spine of the male valve can be observed by brushing the scales from the tip of the abdomen with a brush. That of N. albirena is very long and curves toward the tip of the valve without first extending proximally. The tip of the cucullus of the valve is truncate.

The type locality of Neoligia albirena Troubridge is Mt. Kobau, British Columbia, Canada.

Habitat

This species is found in relatively dry forest and rangeland habitats east of the Cascades. It is uncommon to rare at most locations.

Distribution

Pacific Northwest

This species has been found east of the Cascades and Coast Ranges in southern British Columbia, on the east slope of the Cascades and the Blue Mountains in Washington, in the Blue Mountains in central Oregon, and in south-central Idaho. It has not been found in the Cascade Range in Oregon nor in the southeastern part of this state.

Global

The range of N. albirena extends to northern California, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado outside of the Pacific Northwest.

Life History

Larvae

No information is presently available regarding the larval biology of this species.

Adults

The flight period of this moth is the summer, typically from June to early September. It is nocturnal and comes to lights.

Economic Importance

None.

Literature

Moth Photographers Group

Troubridge & Lafontaine (2002)