Viridiseptis marina (Grote, 1874)
93-2749.1
OR : Klamath Co.
Klamath R. Cyn.; 2 mi SSW John boyle Res., 3594 ft
42.1, -122.1
July 29, 1991, L. G. Crabo.
Specimen courtesy of LGCC
Photograph copyright: Merrill A. Peterson
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Similar Species
Pseudobryomima muscosa 
Lacinipolia comis 
Lacinipolia rectilinea Data Filters
Date Range
Elevation (ft)
Identification
Adults
Viridiseptis marina is a small moth (FW length 13 mm; Span 31.9 ± 1.5 mm with range 29.5 – 35 mm (n=25)) that flies in southwestern Oregon during the summer. Its forewings are relatively short and have scalloped outer margins. They are strongly mottled with black and yellow scales, appearing mossy green, darkest at the posterior wing base, in the cell, and in the terminal area opposite the cell and lightest yellow-green in the posterior subterminal area, at the apex, and in the posterior terminal area. A diffuse dark bar spans the median area in the fold. The lines are black and yellow-green, incomplete and relatively obscure against the mottled ground. The posterior antemedial line is evident near the fold. The postmedial line is scalloped, usually evident on the costa and as an S-shaped dark line from the lower reniform to the posterior margin. The subterminal line is yellow-green to light gray-green, diffuse and irregular with a strong concave segment opposite the cell. A row of black spots comprises the terminal line. The fringe is mottled green and black. The hindwing is dirty, light brownish-gray with a very weak diffuse gray discal spot and margin and a dark, thin terminal line. The fringe is concolorous with a median gray line. The head and thorax are mossy yellow-gray similar to the forewing. The male antenna is filiform.
This moth can be identified by its small size and mottled mossy green forewing. The most likely species with which it might be confused is Pseudobryomima muscosa, a more common and widespread moth in the Northwest. It has a more pointed apex and is usually darker green-gray, but some western Oregon populations are yellow-green like V. marina. The terminal area is dark opposite the cell in V. marina and lighter than the rest of the distal wing in P. muscosa. Two Lacinipolia species, Lacinipolia comis and Lacinipolia rectilinea, are also mottled green in western Oregon. Both of them have light and dark spots near the anal angle typical of many Lacinipolia species, a feature that is absent in V. marina.
Habitat
This species is narrowly endemic to dry oak woodlands and mixed hardwood forests at low elevations in California and southwestern Oregon. It is moderately common in this restricted habitat.
Distribution
Pacific Northwest
Viridiseptis marina is only found in southwestern Oregon in the Northwest. It has been collected from the Siskiyou Mountain region north to Douglas County, and along the Klamath River in Klamath County.
Global
This species if found throughout California to the border with Mexico.
Life History
Larvae
No information is presently available regarding larval foodplants of this species.
Adults
The flight period of this moth is summer, usually June to August in California. Pacific Northwest specimens have been collected during July. It is nocturnal and comes to lights.
Economic Importance
None.
