|scientific name Autographa pseudogamma (Grote)|
common name Delicate Silver Y
Coniferous and mixedwood forests in the mountains, foothills and southern Boreal forest regions.
Adults have been collected in Alberta in July and the first half of August.
A medium-size moth (4.0-4.5 cm wingspan). Forewings are dark shining grey with strong violet tones. The median area of the forewings below the stigma is a darker rusty black, often with a small rust patch along the lower postmedian line. The prominent stigma is an outward curving silver arc, with the upper half forked. Hindwings are smoky brown, darkening into a broad band along the outer margin. The similar A. california is a bit lighter and less purple, and can be separated from pseudogamma by the short, fine black dash connecting the subterminal and postmedian lines near the apex of the forewings.
Adults are nocturnal and come to lights. They have also been captured at dusk while nectaring at Fireweed blossoms. There is a single brood each year.
A fairly common and widespread species, no concerns.
Unknown. It is likely a general feeder on herbaceous plants as are most species in the genus.
Newfoundland to coastal northern Alaska, south in the east to New England and in the western mountains to New Mexico, Arizona and California. Also found in the Cypress Hills and The Black Hills of South Dakota. In Alberta, it can be found throughout the Mountain and Foothills regions as well as along the southern part of the Boreal Forest; also in the Cypress Hills.
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