Euxoa aurulenta

(Smith, 1888)

Dune Cutworm Moth, dune cutworm

Euxoa aurulenta, the dune , is a described by Smith in 1888. It is distributed across central and western North America, with active from May to July. The species has a single and is associated with dune grass . The are suspected to feed on beach grasses including Ammophila breviligulata and Calmovilfa longifolia.

Euxoa aurulenta by (c) Doug Macaulay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Doug Macaulay. Used under a CC-BY license.Euxoa aurulenta by (c) Doug Macaulay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Doug Macaulay. Used under a CC-BY license.CATALOGUE-BM-PLATE LXIX by Sir GEORGE F. HAMPSON, Bart.. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Euxoa aurulenta: /juːkˈsoʊ.ə ˌɔːˈruː.lɛn.tə/

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

Identification

have a wingspan of 35–39 mm. The can be distinguished from similar Euxoa species by its specific association with coastal and inland dune , though detailed morphological diagnostic features are not well documented in available sources.

Images

Habitat

Coastal and inland sand dunes, specifically dominated by dune grasses. In Michigan, specimens have been collected near beach grasses including Ammophila breviligulata and Calmovilfa longifolia.

Distribution

North America from Ontario west to Alberta, Washington, and south to Illinois, Nebraska, Colorado, and Arizona. GBIF records confirm presence in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, Canada.

Seasonality

are on from May to July. There is one per year.

Diet

probably feed on of dune grass. In Michigan, larvae have been collected near the beach grasses Ammophila breviligulata and Calmovilfa longifolia.

Host Associations

  • Ammophila breviligulata - probable larval food plantAmerican beachgrass; observed in Michigan
  • Calmovilfa longifolia - probable larval food plantPrairie sandreed; observed in Michigan

Life Cycle

One per year. stage not explicitly documented, though Euxoa typically overwinter as or .

Ecological Role

Larval in dune grass . Specific ecological functions such as or position are not documented.

Similar Taxa

  • Euxoa auxiliarisBoth are Euxoa , but E. auxiliaris is a widespread agricultural pest with feeding habits, migratory , and different preferences (not dune-specific). E. aurulenta is restricted to dune habitats and is not reported as a crop pest.
  • Euxoa mimallonisAnother Euxoa found in North America, but lacks the specific dune grass association and western distribution pattern of E. aurulenta.

Tags

Sources and further reading