Andropolia contacta
Walker, 1856
Canadian Giant, Canadian Giant Moth
Andropolia contacta, commonly known as the Canadian Giant , is a large noctuid moth described by Francis Walker in 1856. The has a broad transcontinental distribution across northern North America, with two recognized : the nominate A. c. contacta and A. c. pulverulenta from Colorado. Larvae are documented to feed on woody deciduous plants including alder, birch, willow, and quaking aspen.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Andropolia contacta: /ˌændroʊˈpoʊliə kənˈtæk.tə/
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Distribution
Recorded from Alaska across Canada to Newfoundland, southward to New England, New York, Colorado, southern British Columbia, and California. Distribution records include the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. The A. c. pulverulenta is restricted to Colorado.
Diet
Larvae feed on Alnus (alder), Betula (birch), Salix (willow), and Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen). feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Alnus - larval food plantalder
- Betula - larval food plantbirch
- Salix - larval food plantwillow
- Populus tremuloides - larval food plantquaking aspen
Similar Taxa
- Andropolia theodoriCongeneric in the same , also an owlet moth with similar overall ; distinguished by specific wing pattern and genitalia differences
More Details
Subspecies
Two are recognized: Andropolia contacta contacta (nominate form) and Andropolia contacta pulverulenta, the latter restricted to Colorado.