Papaipema circumlucens

The combination of small size (38 mm wingspan), pale stramineous forewings with faint markings, the distinctive oblique row of three white spots (claviform and orbicular), and the purplish subterminal shade defining a yellow apical patch distinguishes this species. The whitish hindwings contrast with the more patterned forewings. The faint, obscure wing lines separate it from more boldly marked Papaipema species.

Adults have a wingspan of approximately 38 mm. The forewings are pale stramineous (straw-colored) with only slight brown tinting. Wing markings are faint and obscure. The ordinary spots are white, with the claviform and orbicular spots forming an oblique row of three spots, the middle spot being smallest. The reniform spot contains a white central line, and all surrounding spots are white. The subterminal shade is purplish, defining a yellow apical patch. The hindwings are whitish.

Recorded from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, Wisconsin in the United States, and Saskatchewan (and potentially Manitoba) in Canada. Believed to be extirpated from Connecticut.

• Humulus lupulus - hostcommon hop, inferred from common name 'hops-stalk borer moth'

Listed as a species of special concern. The common name suggests potential association with hop cultivation, though specific economic impact is not documented. The species is considered extirpated from Connecticut, indicating conservation concern.

• Other Papaipema speciesPapaipema circumlucens is distinguished by its pale stramineous coloration with faint markings, smaller size, and distinctive spot pattern (oblique row of three white spots), whereas congeners typically have darker or more boldly patterned forewings with more prominent lines.

• Noctuidae
• North America
• special concern
• extirpated
• Connecticut
• hops
• agricultural pest

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life