Pacific Northwest Moths

Identification

Adults

Abagrotis cupida is rarely collected in the Pacific Northwest. It is a small to medium-sized moth (FW length 14–16 mm) with dull powdery orange-brown forewings with a black mark on the costa adjacent to the subterminal line, dark-filled spots, and visible lines. Although most specimens are orange-brown a few are red-brown or brown. The forewing is slightly darker near the subterminal line, usually with a dark gray to black quadrate spot on the costa, and the terminal area is a lighter shade of the ground color without gray. The lines are a dark shade of the ground color, smooth, double filled with slightly lighter shade, forming dark spots on the costa. The pale subterminal line is sinuous and usually visible. The orbicular and reniform spots are pale, usually filled with gray or a dark shade of the ground color, rarely just evident as the lighter outline. The median line and claviform spot are absent. The hindwing is dark gray with a lighter orange-brown fringe. The head and thorax are the same color as the forewing and slightly powdery. The male antenna is filiform.

This species is most similar to Abagrotis brunneipennis in our region. A. brunneipennis has a smooth red-brown forewings with a glossy sheen, barely perceptible lines and spots, and lacks the dark mark on the distal costa that is prominent in A. cupida.

Habitat

This species is common and widely distributed in moist hardwood forests throughout much of eastern North America, extending westward to the Rocky Mountain region. The habitat preference in the Pacific Northwest is unknown. It might prefer areas with sandy soil.

Distribution

Pacific Northwest

Abagrotis cupida is rarely collected in the Northwest and has been found at two locations in southern British Columbia and at one location in the southern Puget Sound region of western Washington. 

Global

This species has been collected relatively commonly in eastern North America from Newfoundland to North Carolina. The range extends west through the states bordering the Great Lakes. This species has been collected infrequently in the West, with isolated records in many states and provinces as far north as central Saskatchewan and as far south as Colorado and Utah.

Life History

Larvae

This species appears to be a generalist feeding on many kinds of hardwoods in such families as Salicaceae, Rosaceae, and Vitaceae. 

Adults

Adults have been found between late June through October across its North American range (Lafontaine 1998). It is nocturnal and comes to lights.

Economic Importance

Epidemic outbreaks have damaged agricultural crops of apples, peaches, and grapes in eastern North America.

Literature

BugGuide

Lafontaine (1998)

Moth Photographers Group