Apantesis complicata (Walker, 1865)
93-0273
WA : San Juan Co.
Mt. Constitution, SW slope; Moran SP, 813 ft
48.6, -122.8
June 28, 1997, L. G. Crabo.
Specimen courtesy of LGCC
Photograph copyright: Merrill A. Peterson
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Similar Species
Apantesis ornata "species-data"
species-data
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Identification
Adults
Apantesis complicata is a rarely collected species found in grassland habitats near the Salish Sea in British Columbia and Washington. It is a small to medium-sized tiger moth (FW length 14–15 mm). The forewing appears black with off-white veins and transverse lines. The latter are limited to the postmedial and subterminal regions, lacking more basal lines found in the similar species Apantesis ornata. The hindwing ground color is yellow-orange. The black markings are heavy, typically fused and often forming a uniform thickness marginal band. The eye is reduced in size, smaller than that of Apantesis ornata.
Apantesis ornata, which occurs in western Washington south of Puget Sound, is closely similar to Apantesis complicata. These taxa have been considered conspecific by some authors. The rationale for regarding them as distinct is discussed by Schmidt (2009). Apantesis complicata lacks the forewing pale antemedial region line commonly found in A. ornata, its eyes are smaller, and the valve of the male genitalia lacks a clasper that is found in A. ornata. Several specimens from southwest Washington that have wing patterns resembling Apantesis complicatahave recently been recorded on iNaturalist and these records are shown on the map above. Whether these are truly Apantesis complicata but it is possible that these are unusual specimens of Apantesis ornata. Further sampling in that area will be needed to resolve the identity of these specimens.
Larvae
The early stages are unknown.
Habitat
This is a rare species with a limited distribution. It occurs in grasslands in its limited range.
Distribution
Pacific Northwest
Apantesis complicata is a Pacific Northwest endemic species found near the Gulf of Georgia. It is only found on or near the eastern part of the southern half of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. United States records are limited to the San Juan Islands, Washington.
Global
This species does not occur outside of the Pacific Northwest.
Life History
Larvae
No information is available at present regarding larval foodplants.
Adults
Adults of this moth fly in early and mid summer. Although the reduced eye size suggests that this species might be partially diurnal all Washington specimens have been collected at night in light traps.
Economic Importance
None.
Literature
Schmidt BC (2009)
