obscuromaculata

G. obscuromaculata (Braun)

Adult Characteristics

Wing expanse 13-17 mm. Body pale ochreous to near white. Forewings with a white base color, and with spots of dark or light brown; sexes are strongly dimorphic, with males having isolated darker patches on a solid background, whereas females have more extensive dark on the forewings, creating fused spots and a checkerspot pattern. Hindwings uniformly gray.

Comparison with similar species

The species superficially resembles G. reticulata and some forms of G. variabilis. It can be distinguished from both by the blunt, short-spined pollex in the male and the presence of large signa in the female.

Host, oviposition, and larval feeding habits

Unknown, but females often found resting on or near Osmorhiza chilensis (Apiaceae) and Tiarella trifoliata (Saxifragaceae).

Geographic Distribution

Known from southern British Columbia and Alberta in Canada, and from Washington, Idaho, and Montana, USA.

Habitat

In moist coniferous forest from sea level to 1500 m. It often coexists with G. variabilis and G. mitellae.

Typial habitat on Olympic peninsula, Washington, USA.

References

Davis, D.R., O. Pellmyr & J.N. Thompson. 1992. Biology and systematics 
          of Greya Busck and Tetragma n. gen. (Lepidoptera: Prodoxidae). 
          Smiths. Contrib. Zool. 524:1-88.

Holotype in the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, USA.

About this page

Olle Pellmyr
E-mail: pellmyr@ctrvax.vanderbilt.edu.
Dept of Biology, Vanderbilt University, Box 1812-B Nashville, TN 37235, USA

Title Illustrations: Male and female from Benewah Co., Idaho.