Lacinipolia basiplaga
(Smith, 1905)
cutworm moth, dart moth
Lacinipolia basiplaga is a of in the , described by Smith in 1905. It belongs to the or dart group, a referring to the soil-dwelling that cut through stems at ground level. The species is found in North America. are attracted to light and are among the larger moths in the Lacinipolia. Species-level identification within this genus typically requires examination of or other microscopic features, as visual appearance alone is insufficient.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lacinipolia basiplaga: /læˌsɪnɪˈpoʊliə ˌbæsɪˈpleɪɡə/
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Identification
in the Lacinipolia are -sized with cryptic coloration, often appearing in mottled gray or greenish tones. One observed specimen was described as mottled gray with reflective on the ; another as green, likely adapted for resting on lichen-covered tree trunks. within Lacinipolia cannot be distinguished from one another by external appearance alone. Definitive identification of L. basiplaga requires dissection and examination of or reference to the MONA/Hodges number 10396.
Distribution
North America. Specific range details beyond continental distribution are not documented in available sources.
Seasonality
have been observed in July during National Week events in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Behavior
are and attracted to blacklights. They have been documented visiting light setups at night. Daytime resting likely involves on tree trunks or lichen-covered surfaces, based on observed coloration patterns in congeneric individuals.
Similar Taxa
- Other Lacinipolia speciesVisual appearance is insufficient for -level identification; L. basiplaga is externally indistinguishable from without examination
- Caddisflies (order Trichoptera)Both are -like attracted to light; have hairy held roof-like over body, while moths have scaled wings
- Brown lacewings (family Hemerobiidae)Both are small, -like ; have distinctive -veined and lack the scaled wings of
More Details
Taxonomic reference
MONA ( of North America) or Hodges number: 10396
Genus characteristics
Lacinipolia is a of () containing numerous , many of which are difficult to distinguish without detailed examination. The genus is part of the tribe Eriopygini within Noctuinae.