Euxoa infausta - Hodges#10785
Euxoa infausta
This record describes Euxoa infausta (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The form that is most widespread and occurs in the drier more open habitats has a more even buffy to pale grayish brown background color of the forewing. In more forested habitats in Alberta, British Columbia, and western Washington a darker brown/reddish-brown form occurs with a more mottled ground color. In some areas where E. infausta overlaps in range with E. brunneigera excogita an intermediate reddish-brown form with a more prominent prothoracic line occurs which may be hybrids. In the western half of its range there is overlap with E. satis and intermediate forms may occur. E. infausta averages slightly larger than E. satis . Specimens identified by DNA analysis:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Noctuini
- Genus
- Euxoa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occurs in mesic forest to dry open habitats.
Geographic Range
Known to occur in Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, South Dakota, northern Utah, northern Nevada, and California. An apparent disjunct population occurs in the Northwest Territories of Canada.
Seasonal Activity
A relatively long flight period from May to August, with May and June typical in the southern range and July and August typical in the northern range.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Little known of larval stages.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Euxoa infausta. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Euxoa infausta - Hodges#10785 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John Davis; Additional contributions by Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Euxoa infausta - Hodges#10785
What is Euxoa infausta - Hodges#10785?
Euxoa infausta - Hodges#10785 (Euxoa infausta) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Euxoa infausta - Hodges#10785?
Forewing length from 14 to 17 mm.
How do you identify Euxoa infausta - Hodges#10785?
The form that is most widespread and occurs in the drier more open habitats has a more even buffy to pale grayish brown background color of the forewing. In more forested habitats in Alberta, British Columbia, and western Washington a darker brown/reddish-brown form occurs with a more mottled ground color. In some areas where E. infausta overlaps in range with E. brunneigera excogita an intermediate reddish-brown form with a more prominent prothoracic line occurs which may be hybrids. In the western half of its range there is overlap with E. satis and intermediate forms may occur. E. infausta averages slightly larger than E. satis . Specimens identified by DNA analysis:
Where is Euxoa infausta - Hodges#10785 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Occurs in mesic forest to dry open habitats. |
| Range | Known to occur in Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, South Dakota, northern Utah, northern Nevada, and California. An apparent disjunct population occurs in the Northwest Territories of Canada. |
When is Euxoa infausta - Hodges#10785 active?
Euxoa infausta - Hodges#10785: seasonal activity - A relatively long flight period from May to August, with May and June typical in the southern range and July and August typical in the northern range..
What is the life cycle of a Euxoa infausta - Hodges#10785?
Little known of larval stages.