Drasteria adumbrata
Behr, 1870
Shadowy Arches
Drasteria adumbrata, known as the Shadowy Arches, is a small erebid with a wingspan of approximately 32 mm. The exhibits a transcontinental distribution across southern Canada and the northern United States, with two recognized occupying distinct eastern and western ranges. are active during summer months. The species was first described by Hans Hermann Behr in 1870.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Drasteria adumbrata: /dɹæˈsteɪɹiə ædʊmˈbɹɑːtə/
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Identification
The can be distinguished from other Drasteria species by its specific wing pattern and geographic distribution. It is smaller than related underwing moths in the Catocala. D. a. alleni occurs in eastern North America from Alberta to Nova Scotia, while D. a. saxea occupies western regions from southern British Columbia to California and Colorado. Precise identification to subspecies level requires examination of geographic origin.
Images
Appearance
A small with wingspan approximately 32 mm. Specific wing pattern details are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Occurs in diverse across its broad range, including prairie wetlands with cottonwood groves and adjacent grasslands. The D. a. saxea is associated with montane and foothill regions of the western United States and southwestern Canada.
Distribution
Transcontinental in southern Canada, extending southward in the west to California and Colorado, and in the east to New England and Michigan. D. a. alleni: eastern Alberta to New York and Nova Scotia. Subspecies D. a. saxea: southern British Columbia and southwest Alberta south to California and Colorado.
Seasonality
are on wing in summer. Specific period dates are not documented.
Diet
Larvae feed on Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry) and have been recorded on Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick/bearberry). Other Vaccinium are probable but have not been confirmed.
Host Associations
- Vaccinium angustifolium - larval primary documented
- Vaccinium - probable larval other inferred but not confirmed
- Arctostaphylos uva-ursi - larval recorded
Similar Taxa
- Drasteria mirificaCongeneric with similar ; distinguished by specific wing pattern and distribution
- Catocala spp.Larger underwing moths with similar cryptic forewing patterns and brightly colored hindwings used in startle defense; distinguished by larger size and different
More Details
Subspecies
Two recognized: D. a. adumbrata (nominate), D. a. alleni (Grote, 1877), and D. a. saxea (Edwards, 1881). The subspecies show geographic segregation rather than morphological differentiation in available sources.