Abagrotis duanca
Smith, 1908
Dark Dart
Abagrotis duanca is a first described by Smith in 1908. It occurs in the Pacific Northwest of North America, with records from Alberta's extreme southeastern corner, Saskatchewan, and surrounding regions. from June to July in a single . The has been reared on big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Abagrotis duanca: /ˌæbəˈɡroʊtɪs ˈdjuːæŋkə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Abagrotis by geographic restriction to the Pacific Northwest combined with period in June-July. The specific epithet and original description by Smith (1908) provide definitive taxonomic separation. Similar Abagrotis species may require dissection or examination for reliable identification.
Images
Appearance
Wingspan approximately 28 mm. As a member of the dart Abagrotis, it likely exhibits the characteristic stout body and relatively narrow typical of in this group. Specific coloration and pattern details are not well documented in available sources.
Habitat
Associated with big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) . In Alberta, restricted to the extreme southeastern corner, suggesting affinity for drier, more continental conditions at the edge of the Great Plains.
Distribution
Pacific Northwest of North America. Documented from Alberta (extreme southeastern corner), Saskatchewan, and broader Pacific Northwest region. Distribution records indicate presence in western Canada with likely extension into adjacent northwestern United States.
Seasonality
active from June to July. One per year in Alberta.
Diet
have been reared on Artemisia tridentata (big sagebrush). No other plants are documented.
Host Associations
- Artemisia tridentata - larval big sagebrush; sole documented
Life Cycle
(one per year). period June-July in Alberta. Larval development presumably occurs in late summer through following spring, though specific timing is not documented.
Ecological Role
Larval on big sagebrush. Specific ecological functions (, , ) are not documented.
Human Relevance
No documented economic or agricultural significance. Of interest to and regional studies.
Similar Taxa
- Other Abagrotis species in the Pacific Northwest share general ; reliable identification requires examination of or geographic and phenological data
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Rhynchagrotis duanca by Smith in 1908, later transferred to Abagrotis. Basionym Rhynchagrotis duanca is preserved in NCBI records.
Collection records
Alberta specimens are geographically restricted to the extreme southeastern corner, suggesting this represents a range limit rather than core .