Drasteria stretchii (Behr, 1870)
93-0911
OR : Malheur Co.
Namorf, 2637 ft
43.8, -117.7
June 14, 2007, L. G. Crabo.
Specimen courtesy of LGCC
Photograph copyright: Merrill A. Peterson
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Similar Species
Drasteria perplexa 
Drasteria howlandii Data Filters
Date Range
Elevation (ft)
Identification
Adults
Drasteria stretchii is a rare, small to medium-sized Drasteria (FW length 15 - 17 mm) with brown and blue-gray forewings and orange-red and black hindwings. The forewing is brown, dark at the base to the even antemedial line, lighter to the postmedial line, and dark between the postmedial and subterminal lines. The terminal area is smooth blue-gray. The pale area between the black-filled reniform spot and the jagged laterally projected postmedial line is filled with white and pale brown. The lateral margin of the postmedial line forms two sharp dentations outlined by black. The hindwing is orange-red with fairly thin black discal spot, postmedial line, and marginal band. The head and thorax are gray-brown. The antennae are ciliate in males and simple in females.
This rare species can be confused with the more common species Drasteria howlandii and Drasteria perplexa. It is most similar to the former species, but lacks a pale blue gray band next to the antemedial line present in this species. It is also slightly smaller, has a more jagged postmedial line near the reniform spot, and thinner dorsal hindwing black markings. It can be told from D. perplexa by its sharply demarcated light-colored median area that contrasts with the adjacent dark brown, uniform red-brown to dark gray without well-defined lines in D. perplexa.
Habitat
Drasteria stretchii is a rare species found in dry, rocky canyons at low to middle elevations within the Snake River drainage.
Distribution
Pacific Northwest
This species appears to have a limited range in our area. Records are from east-central Oregon, southeastern Washington, and western Idaho.
Global
The range extends south through western Nevada and eastern California along the east slope of the Sierra Nevada.
Life History
Larvae
No information is presently available regarding larval foodplants for this species, but it may feed on buckwheats (Eriogonum spp.) in the Polygonaceae based on closely related species.
Adults
Adults are on the wing from early June through July. They are nocturnal and come to lights.
Economic Importance
None.
