Coenophila opacifrons
Grote, 1878
Blueberry Dart, Plain-faced Blueberry Dart
Coenophila opacifrons is a noctuid commonly known as the Blueberry Dart or Plain-faced Blueberry Dart. It is widely distributed across and montane regions of North America. The is , with active in mid-summer. Larvae are specialized feeders on ericaceous and myricaceous plants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Coenophila opacifrons: /koʊˈnɒfɪlə ˌoʊˌpæsɪˈfrɒnz/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar noctuid by the plain, relatively unmarked forewings. The 'plain-faced' directly references this diagnostic feature. Confirmation may require examination of genitalia or comparison with regional Noctuinae fauna.
Appearance
Wingspan 32–38 mm. have relatively plain, unmarked forewings that give rise to the 'plain-faced.' Coloration is subdued, consistent with cryptic habits typical of the Noctuidae.
Habitat
forest, montane forests, and peatland edges where larval plants occur. Associated with acidic wetlands and heath supporting Vaccinium, Chamaedaphne, and Myrica.
Distribution
North America: Labrador and Newfoundland south to New Jersey; west across the forest to eastern British Columbia; south in the Rocky Mountains to southern Montana. Also recorded from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
Seasonality
are on wing from July to August. One per year ().
Diet
Larvae feed on Chamaedaphne calyculata (leatherleaf), Vaccinium (blueberries, cranberries), and Myrica gale (sweet gale). feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Chamaedaphne calyculata - larval
- Vaccinium - larval
- Myrica gale - larval
Life Cycle
with one annually. Larval development occurs on plants, followed by and in mid-summer.
Behavior
activity. Larvae are external feeders on plant foliage.
Ecological Role
Larval herbivore in and montane wetland . Contributes to nutrient cycling and serves as prey for and .
Human Relevance
No significant economic or agricultural impact documented. Of interest to lepidopterists and naturalists in northern regions.
Similar Taxa
- Other Coenophila species-level similarity in and ; requires careful examination for definitive identification.
- Unmarked NoctuinaePlain forewing pattern is shared with several noctuid ; geographic range and associations assist in differentiation.
More Details
Nomenclature
Originally described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1878. The specific epithet 'opacifrons' refers to the dull or plain facial/forehead region of the .