Copablepharon longipenne

The species can be distinguished from other Copablepharon species by geographic range and association with sand dune habitats. The subspecies C. l. serraticornis differs in antennal serration. Accurate identification may require examination of genitalia or reference to type specimens.

Adults have a wingspan of 35–39 mm. The species exhibits the typical noctuid moth body plan with scaled wings.

Sand dune ecosystems. Larvae occur in soil approximately 2.5 cm deep near host plants.

North American Great Plains and southwestern regions: southwestern Manitoba to southern Alberta, south to western Texas. Canadian provincial records include Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

Adults are active from July to August, with exact timing varying by location. One generation per year.

Complete metamorphosis with one generation annually. Eggs are laid near host plants. Larvae live buried approximately 2.5 cm deep in soil and feed underground. Pupation occurs in soil, with adults emerging approximately 2.5 weeks later.

Larvae exhibit subterranean feeding behavior, remaining buried in soil while consuming host plant material. Adults are nocturnal.

Herbivore in sand dune ecosystems. Larval underground feeding may contribute to soil aeration and nutrient cycling in dune habitats.

• Other Copablepharon speciesShare genus and general morphology; distinguished by geographic distribution, habitat specificity, and detailed morphological examination
• Other Noctuinae in sand dune habitatsMay co-occur in similar habitats; C. longipenne distinguished by association with deep-burrowing larval behavior and specific geographic range

• Noctuidae
• sand dune specialist
• subterranean larvae
• Great Plains fauna
• monovoltine

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