Drasteria pulchra

Barnes & McDunnough, 1918

Drasteria pulchra is a in the Erebidae, first described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918. The is known from California, with active during summer months. The wingspan ranges from 34 to 37 mm, with distinctive wing patterning featuring contrasting dark and light areas.

RZ133 Drasteria tejonica or pulchra (5571968623) by NSG group from Lund, Sweden. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Drasteria pulchra: /drasˈte.ri.a ˈpʊl.kra/

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Identification

The combination of vermilion hindwings with dark postmedian band and marginal blotches, together with the complex patterned forewings featuring violet gray terminal area, distinguishes this from other Drasteria. The specific wing venation pattern—particularly the prominent angles on 3, 4, and 6 of the postmedian line—provides additional diagnostic characters. The ocherous border and white shading on forewing veins 3 and 4 are notable field marks.

Images

Distribution

Recorded from California, North America. Specific associations within California are not documented in available sources.

Seasonality

are on wing from June to July.

More Details

Taxonomic History

Originally described as Syneda pulchra Barnes & McDunnough, 1918, later transferred to Drasteria. The basionym reflects its initial placement in the genus Syneda.

Observation Rarity

As of source date, iNaturalist records only 11 observations, suggesting this is infrequently encountered or underreported.