Lithophane itata (Smith, 1899)
93-2565
CA
r.m. Juniper Cache Creek
September 13, 1972
Specimen courtesy of LGCC
Photograph copyright: Merrill A. Peterson
-
/media/moths_z/Lithophane itata-A-D -
/media/moths_z/Lithophane itata-A-V
Similar Species
Lithophane fagina 
Lithophane boogeri Data Filters
Date Range
Elevation (ft)
Identification
Adults
Lithophane itata is a late fall and early spring-flying streaky gray medium-sized moth (FW length 17 mm) that is found in association with Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) in British Columbia. The forewing is lead-gray with a streaky pattern due to slightly darker veins and irregular faint transverse lines. The posterior margin is slightly darker. The terminal area is darker gray, separated into two triangular patches where the subterminal area reaches the margin on the mid-wing. A thin black basal dash is present. A black bar-like dash in the fold in the median area is irregular because it appears to be partially comprised of a portion of the claviform spot. The gray median line is evident near the costa. The orbicular spot is obscure. The reniform spot is very faint except for its black curved posterior margin, and is filled with a few brown scales and a gray spot at the lower end. The hindwing and fringe are even dark brownish gray, with a slightly darker discal spot. The head and thorax are gray with a sculpted appearance due to raised ridges and a strong median tuft. The male antenna is beaded.
Lithophane itata can be recognized in its range by its streaked gray forewing with a black bar across the lower median area. It is similar to Lithophane boogeri, another member of the Lithophane lemmeri species-group of juniper and cedar-feeding species. Lithophane boogeri is associated with western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) and is only known from Oregon and Idaho. Lithophane boogeri is lighter gray than L. itata and its median bar is less prominent. Lithophane fagina occurs in British Columbia and has a finely streaked gray forewing. It lacks the black median bar of L. itata and has a whitish costa.
Habitat
Lithophane itata is found in low to mid-elevation conifer forest with Rocky Mountain juniper in south-central British Columbia. It is rarely collected.
Distribution
Pacific Northwest
This species has been found in south-central British Columbia and the Idaho Panhandle. It should be sought in other locations where its foodplant grows, including in northern Washington.
Global
The distribution of this species is poorly known because of the similarity of many of the species in the Lithophane lemmeri species-group. It probably occurs in the Rocky Mountains to the south of the Pacific Northwest region.
Life History
Larvae
This species has been reared from Rocky Mountain juniper (J. scopulorum) in the Cupressaceae.
Adults
Adults emerge in the fall and overwinter prior to flying again during the spring. Most wild collected specimens are from the spring in May and early June. It is nocturnal and comes to lights.
Economic Importance
None.
