Caradrina montana

Bremer, 1864

Civil Rustic Moth

Caradrina montana is a small noctuid with a wingspan of 26–31 mm. It has a broad distribution spanning western North America, western Asia, and Europe. The is known to feed on alfalfa leaves, making it a documented herbivore of agricultural crops.

Caradrina montana 01 by CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.

Caradrina montana 02 by CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.

Caradrina montana 03 by CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Caradrina montana: /kæɹəˈdɹaɪnə mɒnˈtæ nə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from similar Caradrina by geographic distribution and subtle wing pattern differences. The combination of small size (26–31 mm wingspan), western North American range, and association with alfalfa aids in identification. Specific diagnostic features require examination of genitalia or detailed wing venation patterns not documented in available sources.

Images

Appearance

Small with wingspan of 26–31 mm. Forewings typically exhibit muted, earthy coloration consistent with the 'rustic' . Wing patterning and body align with the Caradrina, characterized by relatively plain forewings with subtle markings.

Habitat

Found in grassland and agricultural where alfalfa grows. Western North American inhabit mixedgrass prairie and similar open vegetation types. The shows adaptability across temperate zones in North America, Asia, and Europe.

Distribution

Western North America (including Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan), western Asia, and Europe. GBIF records confirm presence in North America and Denmark.

Diet

Feeds on alfalfa (Medicago sativa) leaves. No other plants have been documented in available sources.

Host Associations

Medicago sativa - herbivoreDocumented feeding on leaves

Human Relevance

Minor agricultural pest due to feeding on alfalfa, a valuable forage crop. No major economic damage has been documented.

Similar Taxa

Caradrina morpheusSimilar size and appearance; requires examination of genitalia or detailed wing pattern analysis for separation
Other Caradrina species-level similarity in necessitates expert identification for -level determination

More Details

Taxonomic Note

Caradrina montana was described by Bremer in 1864. The is placed in the subgenus Platyperigea by some authorities.

Observation Data

iNaturalist records 2,984 observations, indicating the is relatively well-documented by citizen scientists.