Lacinipolia aileenae
Selman & Leuschner, 2001
cutworm moth, dart moth
Lacinipolia aileenae is a of owlet moth in the Noctuidae, described by Selman & Leuschner in 2001. It belongs to a whose members are commonly known as or dart moths. The species is documented from North America, with a MONA/Hodges number of 10406.6. Like other Lacinipolia species, are attracted to blacklights and show considerable variation in coloration.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lacinipolia aileenae: //ləˌsɪnɪˈpoʊliə aɪˈliːniːaɪ//
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Identification
Lacinipolia cannot be reliably distinguished from one another by visual examination alone. The is characterized by medium-sized, stout-bodied owlet moths with cryptic coloration, typically gray or greenish with reflective wing . Definitive identification of L. aileenae requires examination of genitalia or reference to collection data. The species may be confused with other Lacinipolia species, particularly L. laudabilis and L. renigera, which share similar size and wing patterns.
Distribution
North America. Specific state or provincial records are sparse; the has been documented in Colorado based on blacklight sampling during National Week events.
Seasonality
have been observed in July in Colorado. The period likely extends through summer months, consistent with other Lacinipolia .
Behavior
are and attracted to ultraviolet light sources. Daytime resting posture and substrate preferences are unknown for this specifically, though related Lacinipolia species often rest on lichen-covered bark or similar cryptic surfaces.
Similar Taxa
- Lacinipolia laudabilisSimilar size, gray coloration with reflective , and overlapping distribution; requires genitalia examination to distinguish
- Lacinipolia renigeraShares cryptic gray-green coloration and habits; boundaries in Lacinipolia are subtle and require dissection
- Lacinipolia olivaceaGreen morphs of L. aileenae may resemble this ; both attracted to lights and found in western North America