Lasionycta silacea

Can be distinguished from other Lasionycta species using the diagnostic keys provided in Crabo & Lafontaine (2009). The species description includes detailed illustrations of genitalia and external morphology. Identification requires examination of specimens; iNaturalist records indicate this species has been observed only twice, suggesting it is rarely encountered or underreported.

Males have a wingspan of 32–37 mm; females are slightly larger at 36–38 mm. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations are provided in the original species description (Crabo & Lafontaine 2009), which included keys to distinguish this species from congeners.

Occurs near the treeline in montane coniferous forests. Associated with high-elevation habitats in the Pacific Northwest mountain systems.

British Columbia Coast Range, Washington Cascades, and extreme southwestern Alberta. The range spans the coastal and interior mountain systems of the Pacific Northwest, with eastern limit in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Adults are on the wing from early July through August. The flight period corresponds to the summer months at high elevations.

Nocturnal. Activity pattern consistent with other high-elevation noctuid moths.

• Other Lasionycta speciesThe genus Lasionycta contains 43 species in North America, many of which are morphologically similar and require detailed examination for identification. Crabo & Lafontaine (2009) provided comprehensive keys to separate L. silacea from congeners based on genitalic and external characters.

• nocturnal
• montane
• Pacific Northwest
• treeline
• 2009 description

• BugGuide
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• GBIF taxonomy match
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• Catalogue of Life
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