Amphipoea lunata (Smith, 1891)
93-2452
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
Lacinipolia stricta Data Filters
Date Range
Elevation (ft)
Identification
Adults
Amphipoea lunata is a small (FW length 12–13 mm), bright orange-brown moth that flies in southwestern Oregon during the summer. It has a bar-like white reniform spot and a gray oblique postmedial line below the cell. The orange-brown forewing color is even, subtly darkest in the median area. The distal median area is suffused lightly with gray in some specimens, and the terminal area is similar darker gray. An even darker gray spot is present on the costa before the subterminal line. The antemedial and postmedial lines are light gray. The antemedial line is arched from the lower cell to the posterior margin. The postmedial line is smoothly excurved around the end of the cell and then nearly straight at an oblique angle toward the base from near vein M2 to the trailing margin, gradually becoming wider on the lower wing. The subterminal line is pale on the costa and obsolete elsewhere, the position is evident due to a few ill-defined dark gray or black spots in the distal subterminal area. The terminal line and the distal veins in some specimens are dark, thin. The fringe is similar to the terminal area. The reniform spot is a white bar, slightly concave toward the base. The other spots are absent. The hindwing is pale orange tan with a dusting of darker orange-brown scales, a faint gray submarginal band in some specimens, and a thin dark terminal line at the base of the concolorous fringe. The head and thorax are orange-brown like the forewing. The male antenna is weakly biserrate.
This species is easily identified by the combination of orange-brown color, bar-like white reniform spot without dark filling, and the straight gray lower postmedial line. Other species that are similar color, such as Lacinipolia stricta, lacks this combination of characters.
Habitat
This species is narrowly endemic to dry oak woodlands, oak savanna, and mixed hardwood-conifer forests at low elevations in southwestern Oregon and California. It appears to be relatively rare.
Distribution
Pacific Northwest
Amphipoea lunata has been collected in southwestern Oregon on both sides of the Cascade Mountains. The most northerly records are in Douglas County.
Global
The range of this moth extends south through most of California.
Life History
Larvae
No information is presently available regarding the larval biology of this species, but it might bore into the roots of grasses (Poaceae).
Adults
Adults of this moth fly during late spring and summer throughout its range. It has been collected during July in Oregon. It is nocturnal and comes to lights.
Economic Importance
None.
