Polychrysia morigera

Distinguished from other North American Plusiinae by its small size (wingspan 28–31 mm) and highly disjunct distribution pattern. Confirmed records are limited to three specific regions: Mississippi/Missouri/Ohio river valleys, Rocky Mountains from Montana to Colorado, and Pacific coast from Oregon to northern California. The combination of small size and geographic isolation from congeneric species aids identification.

Wingspan 28–31 mm. Adults are small noctuid moths with typical looper moth morphology. Specific wing pattern details are not well documented in available sources.

Associated with river valley systems in the eastern United States, montane regions of the Rocky Mountains, and coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest. Specific microhabitat requirements are poorly documented.

North America: Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio river valleys from Pennsylvania to Tennessee; Rocky Mountains from Montana to Colorado; Pacific coast from Oregon to northern California.

Adults active June to July.

Larvae feed on Delphinium trolliifolium. Adult feeding habits are not documented.

• Delphinium trolliifolium - larval food plantOnly recorded host plant for larvae

Adults have been observed trapped in the labellum of Cypripedium kentuckiense, suggesting possible pollinator interaction or attraction to the orchid.

Larval herbivore on Delphinium trolliifolium. Potential pollinator interaction with Cypripedium kentuckiense based on trapping observation.

• Other Polychrysia speciesP. morigera is distinguished by its North American distribution and small size; congeners occur in Eurasia
• Other North American PlusiinaeP. morigera is notably smaller (28–31 mm wingspan) and has a more restricted, disjunct range than most related species

• rare species
• disjunct distribution
• host specialist
• North American endemic

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