Ctenucha brunnea

Stretch, 1872

Brown Ctenucha, Brown-winged Ctenucha

Ctenucha brunnea is a in the Erebidae, first described by Richard Harper Stretch in 1872. It is to coastal California, where it replaces the closely related Ctenucha multifaria in central to southern regions. are notable for their metallic bodies, red , and . The has a documented association with specific plants for both adult nectar feeding and larval development.

Ctenucha brunnea by (c) John Powers, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by John Powers. Used under a CC-BY license.

Ctenucha brunnea by (c) Jerry Kirkhart, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Ctenucha brunnea by no rights reserved, uploaded by Alex Heyman. Used under a CC0 license.

Identification

Distinguished from the Ctenucha multifaria by (not -black) . The red and shoulder markings combined with metallic blue body separate it from most other Ctenucha . In northern California, C. multifaria replaces this species, with the transition zone in central coastal California.

Images

Habitat

Coastal California environments. observed feeding on Heteromeles arbutifolia (toyon). associated with Leymus condensatus (giant wild rye) and other grasses and sedges.

Distribution

to the United States: central to southern coastal California. Replaced by Ctenucha multifaria north of this range.

Seasonality

active mid-May to mid-July. Single period annually.

Diet

feed on nectar of Heteromeles arbutifolia. feed on Leymus condensatus and other grasses and sedges (Poaceae and Cyperaceae).

Host Associations

Heteromeles arbutifolia - nectar sourceToyon; primary documented nectar
Leymus condensatus - larval Giant wild rye; primary documented larval
Poaceae - larval Grasses generally
Cyperaceae - larval Sedges generally

Life Cycle

laid in rows, round, fading to . black with buff or yellow hairs, bearing two black tufts and amber-orange . chestnut-colored in loose of larval hairs. with May–July.

Behavior

activity pattern (unusual for Erebidae). visit flowers for nectar. feed on grasses and sedges.

Ecological Role

of Heteromeles arbutifolia. Larval on grasses. Part of coastal California chaparral and grassland .

Human Relevance

Subject of entomological study due to its restricted range and habits. Occasionally encountered by naturalists in coastal California. No documented economic importance.

Similar Taxa

Ctenucha multifariaReplaces C. brunnea northward in California; distinguished by -black (not ) and distribution

More Details

Taxonomic history

Described by Richard Harper Stretch in 1872. Long treated as distinct from C. multifaria based on coloration and parapatric distribution.

Diurnal behavior

Day-flying habit is atypical for Erebidae and has been noted in field observations; are active during daylight hours when most are inactive.