Lasionycta lagganata (Barnes & Benjamin, 1924)
93-2996
BC : East Kootenay Co.
Watch Pk., 6963 ft
50.5, -116.3
July 23, 1994, Crabo/Troubridge.
Specimen courtesy of LGCC
Photograph copyright: Merrill A. Peterson
-
/media/moths_z/Lasionycta lagganata-A-D -
/media/moths_z/Lasionycta lagganata-A-V
Similar Species
Lasionycta quadrilunata 
Lasionycta carolynae Data Filters
Date Range
Elevation (ft)
Identification
Adults
Lasionycta lagganata is a rarely collected, small (FW length 12 - 14 mm), day-flying moth that occurs in the Rocky Mountains of Canada. It has nearly unmarked, slate-gray forewings and black and white hindwings. The forewings have rounded apices and appear stubby. They are nearly uniform slate gray with barely perceptible dark lines and reniform spot. The antemedial line is broad and nearly straight across the wing. The postmedial line is weakly scalloped. The hindwings are nearly white with a large gray discal spot, a sharply defined dark gray band on the outer margin, dark veins in some specimens, and a white fringe. The head and thorax are covered with hair-like slate gray scales. The male antenna is weakly biserrate.
This species is most similar to Lasionycta quadrilunata, which also flies in the Rocky Mountains, and Lasionycta carolynae, which is found in the mountains of southern Yukon Territory. Lasionycta carolynae has a thin hindwing discal spot, unlike the thick spot of L. lagganata. The markings of L. quadrilunata are similar to those of L. lagganata, but the antemedial line of L. quadrilunata is sinuous rather than straight. The wing shape is also different, pointed in L. quadrilunata and rounded in L. lagganata. Differences in the male and female genitalia are described in Crabo and Lafontaine (2009).
Larvae
The early stages are unknown.
Habitat
The habitat is alpine fine shale scree slopes with sparse vegetation above timberline. It is a rarely collected species.
Distribution
Pacific Northwest
This species has only been collected at one site in the Purcell Mountains of southeastern British Columbia.
Global
Lasionycta lagganata is found in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta outside of the Pacific Northwest.
Life History
Larvae
No information is presently available regarding larval foodplants of this species, but it probably feeds on alpine herbaceous vegetation.
Adults
This species is diurnal and visits flowers during the day. A single specimen was collected by Jim Troubridge and Lars Crabo in a light trap placed on its shale scree habitat.
Economic Importance
None.
Literature
Crabo & Lafontaine (2009)
