Sthenopis purpurascens
(Packard, 1863)
Four-spotted Ghost Moth
Sthenopis purpurascens, commonly known as the four-spotted , is a large in the Hepialidae described by Packard in 1863. The species exhibits two distinct color forms: purple-grey and yellow-brown. It is widely distributed across northern North America, ranging from Labrador and New York west to British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, with extending southward in mountainous regions to Arizona.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sthenopis purpurascens: //ˈstɛ.nə.pɪs pɜːrˌpjʊˈræ.sɛnz//
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Identification
The can be distinguished from other ghost moths (Hepialidae) by its large size (wingspan 66–100 mm) and the presence of two color forms. The purple-brown or salmon pink hindwings that are generally unmarked contrast with the more patterned forewings. The specific epithet 'purpurascens' refers to the purple coloration present in one of the morphs.
Images
Habitat
Found in forested and woodland across its broad North American range. Specific microhabitat preferences are not well documented in available sources.
Distribution
North America: Canada (Labrador, New York north and west to British Columbia and Northwest Territories, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States (south in the mountains to Arizona).
Similar Taxa
- Other Sthenopis speciesMembers of the Sthenopis share the large size and general ; S. purpurascens is distinguished by its specific color forms and distribution.
- Other HepialidaeGhost moths in general share primitive characteristics including reduced mouthparts in and large size; S. purpurascens is among the larger and shows distinctive color .
More Details
Taxonomic History
Originally described as Gorgopis purpurascens by Packard in 1863, later transferred to the Sthenopis. The has been well-established in North American lepidopteran faunas for over 150 years.