Parabagrotis sulinaris - Hodges#11047.2
Parabagrotis sulinaris
This record describes Parabagrotis sulinaris (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | This is the largest and most boldly patterned of the five species of Parabagrotis. In areas mainly west of the Cascades the overall color is usually reddish brown with a yellow-buff shading on the prothoracic collar. The prothoracic collar has a transverse black line at the apex with fainter black lines on the collar below this. The mesothoracic and metathoracic tufts are lighter in color than rest of thorax. |
| Forewing | Forewing color varies from reddish brown to orange brown with pale buff shading on the front margin of wing and around or partially filling the orbicular, reniform, and claviform spots. Terminal area is usually paler than other areas of forewing but not as pale as forewing margins. |
| Hindwings | Hindwings are smoky brown. In drier area east of the Cascades, specimens often have a paler forewing color of reddish buff which gives a more contrasty look. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Noctuinae
- Tribe
- Noctuini
- Genus
- Parabagrotis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Occurs from British Columbia to northern California, east to Idaho and western Montana.
Seasonal Activity
Adults have been found from May to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed on grasses.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: sulinaris is an anagram of insularis .
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Parabagrotis sulinaris. 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 Parabagrotis sulinaris - Hodges#11047.2 (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John Davis; Additional contributions by Bob Patterson , Steve Nanz , Steve Morris
Frequently Asked Questions About Parabagrotis sulinaris - Hodges#11047.2
What is Parabagrotis sulinaris - Hodges#11047.2?
Parabagrotis sulinaris - Hodges#11047.2 (Parabagrotis sulinaris) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Parabagrotis sulinaris - Hodges#11047.2?
Forewing 16-21 mm.
How do you identify Parabagrotis sulinaris - Hodges#11047.2?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | This is the largest and most boldly patterned of the five species of Parabagrotis. In areas mainly west of the Cascades the overall color is usually reddish brown with a yellow-buff shading on the prothoracic collar. The prothoracic collar has a transverse black line at the apex with fainter black lines on the collar below this. The mesothoracic and metathoracic tufts are lighter in color than rest of thorax. |
| Forewing | Forewing color varies from reddish brown to orange brown with pale buff shading on the front margin of wing and around or partially filling the orbicular, reniform, and claviform spots. Terminal area is usually paler than other areas of forewing but not as pale as forewing margins. |
| Hindwings | Hindwings are smoky brown. In drier area east of the Cascades, specimens often have a paler forewing color of reddish buff which gives a more contrasty look. |
Where is Parabagrotis sulinaris - Hodges#11047.2 found?
Range: Occurs from British Columbia to northern California, east to Idaho and western Montana.
When is Parabagrotis sulinaris - Hodges#11047.2 active?
Parabagrotis sulinaris - Hodges#11047.2: seasonal activity - Adults have been found from May to September..
What is the life cycle of a Parabagrotis sulinaris - Hodges#11047.2?
Larvae feed on grasses.