Orgyia cana H. Edwards, 1881
93-0163
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
Orgyia vetusta 
Orgyia pseudotsugata "species-data"
species-data
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Identification
Adults
Orgyia cana is a small to medium-sized moth (FW length 13–16 mm; wingspan 2.9–3.2 cm) that flies in southern Oregon and Idaho during summer and fall. It has stubby grey-brown forewings with a diffuse discal spot, a white and black spot above the anal angle, and short broad antenna. Both wings are relatively short and round, and the outer margin of the forewing is smoothly convex. The color is brown, usually with a glaucous suffusion of gray scales that produce a blue-gray color. The basal, antemedial, postmedial lines are dark gray to black, single, wide, and scalloped. The anterior portion of the subterminal line is similar but this line is usually absent on the posterior wing. The terminal line is absent or similar dark gray. The discal spot is outlined in dark gray and filled with light gray and tan which usually extends to outside of the outline. A "subanal spot" is present in the posterior subterminal area slightly above the posterior margin which consists of black medial and white lateral patches. The hindwing is nearly round, medium to dark brown, darkening slightly towards the outer margin. The male antenna are short and broadly bipectinate. The flightless females have vestigial pad-like wings, are heavy-bodied, gray and nondescript.
Males of this species can be identified by their southern distribution in our area, the blue-gray forewings with black and white subanal spot, even dark brown hindwings, and stubby wide antenna. They are most similar to Orgyia vetusta, an uncommonly found moth that occurs in the Siskiyou Mountains in the Northwest. Compared to O. cana it is warmer brown on both wings, has a more diffuse discal spot that often lacks a dark outline, and has a pale subanal spot without a black medial component. The widespread species Orgyia pseudotsugata has long and more pointed wings than both of these moths. Its forewing is darker gray and the hindwing is brighter rust brown with a dark marginal band that is lacking in O. cana.
Habitat
This species is widely distributed through the Intermountain region in mixed hardwood-conifer forest habitats, usually at middle elevations in the foothills.
Pacific Northwest
In the Pacific Northwest, this species is found in southern Idaho and Oregon.
Global
Orgyia cana is found in Western North America and reaches its northern limit in our area. South of the Pacific Northwest it has been found most commonly in California, with the range extending east to Utah.
Life History
Larvae
This species winters as eggs and emerges as larvae in spring. The larvae feed on various hardwood trees and shrubs in such families as Rosaceae and Salicaceae.
Adults
Mature adults are found from late May to early September. They are nocturnal and come to lights. This species is single brooded and the adults do not feed.
Economic Importance
None.
Literature
Ferguson (1978)
Miller & Hammond (2000)
