Idia occidentalis

(Smith, 1884)

Western Idia

Idia occidentalis is a small litter in the Erebidae, first described by Smith in 1884. It was formerly treated as a of Idia lubricalis but is now recognized as a distinct . The species is found in western North America, with active primarily in late summer in northern parts of its range. It inhabits dry, open environments including arid grasslands and badlands.

Idia occidentalis by (c) Jeremy deWaard. University of British Columbia., some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Idia occidentalis by (c) Jeremy deWaard. University of British Columbia., some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Idia occidentalis by (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ken-ichi Ueda. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Idia occidentalis: /ˈɪdiə ɑksɪˈdɛntælɪs/

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Identification

Idia occidentalis can be distinguished from the similar Idia lubricalis by geographic distribution and subtle pattern differences. The has a - ground color with a 'cloudy' or diffuse pattern on the . Wingspan is approximately 30 mm. The species was historically confused with I. lubricalis, from which it was elevated based on consistent differences.

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Habitat

Dry open areas, arid grasslands, and badlands. Occupies xeric environments in western North America.

Distribution

North America: southern Alberta and British Columbia south to Colorado, Arizona, and California. Records also exist from Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Seasonality

are on in August in northern parts of the range. period extends from May to October across the full range.

Ecological Role

Member of litter in arid grassland . Specific ecological functions have not been documented.

Similar Taxa

  • Idia lubricalisFormerly considered ; distinguished by distribution and subtle pattern differences. I. occidentalis is restricted to western North America.

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Sources and further reading