Lasionycta luteola

Lasionycta luteola (Smith)

Figs 16–18, 145, 202. Map 5

Scotogramma luteola Smith, 1893b: 101. Described again as new in Smith 1894: 56. Lasiestra luteola; McDunnough 1938: 72.

Lasionycta luteola; Lafontaine et al. 1986: 264.

Type material. Lectotype ♁ [USNM, examined]. Type locality: Laggan [Lake Louise], Alberta. Th e lectotype male was designated by Todd (1982: 127).

Diagnosis. Lasionycta luteola is a small alpine species with a shiny mottled gray forewing with variable yellow patches, most evident in the fold in the median area. It has dark-gray antemedial, postmedial, and subterminal lines, inconspicuous spots, and variable dark-gray shading in the medial area and preceding the subterminal line. The reniform spot is evident only as a dark smudge in some specimens. The dorsal hindwing is uniform gray with a luteous white fringe. Th e underside of both wings has similar wide diffuse postmedial lines that contrast with the pale ground color and a relatively inconspicuous hindwing discal spot. Lasionycta luteola in traps can usually be identified by their undersides. Th e genitalia are described in the speciesgroup section.

Distribution and biology. Lasionycta luteola is distributed from northern Washington and southwestern Alberta northward to southwestern Yukon. It occurs in alpine tundra. Adults are predominantly nocturnal but also fly during the day and feed on nectar at Silene acaulis (L.) Jacq. (Caryophyllaceae). Lasionycta luteola is usually common and can be abundant. It has been collected from mid-July to mid-August.

Geographical variation. Specimens from the Coast Range of British Columbia and the mountains of southwestern Yukon are most vividly colored and variable, often with bright yellow on the forewing and a mottled appearance. Specimens from the Rocky Mountains and northern British Columbia are more uniform gray.