Plusia nichollae
(Hampson, 1913)
West Coast Plusia
Plusia nichollae is a of in the , Plusiinae. It is to North America, with a distribution concentrated on the western coast of the continent as suggested by its . The species was described by Hampson in 1913, originally placed in the Phytometra. Like other members of the genus Plusia, it is characterized by looping in its larval stage due to reduced number. The MONA or Hodges number for this species is 8951.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Plusia nichollae: /ˈpluːziə nɪˈkɒleɪ/
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Identification
of Plusia nichollae can be distinguished from other North Plusia by geographic range and subtle pattern differences, though specific diagnostic characters require examination of or detailed wing markings. possess the typical plusiine : three pairs of (on abdominal 3–6), resulting in the characteristic looping gait. This separates them from geometrid loopers, which have only two pairs of prolegs (segments 5–6). The species is most reliably distinguished from the closely related Plusia putnami (Putnam's looper) and other Plusia species by distribution and subtle differences in pattern, particularly the configuration of the silvery or golden markings typical of the .
Images
Distribution
North America, with records concentrated in western coastal regions of the United States and Canada. The specific epithet and suggest association with the Pacific coastal zone.
Behavior
exhibit the characteristic looping of Plusiinae, arching the body to bring the forward to the thoracic legs, then extending the body. This movement pattern is an to the reduced number of prolegs.
Similar Taxa
- Plusia putnamiPutnam's overlaps in western North distribution and shares similar pattern with silvery ; separation requires examination of or detailed
- Chrysodeixis includensSoybean is superficially similar in larval form and pattern, but is distinguished by different geographic distribution (eastern and central North America, South America) and subtle differences in markings
- Trichoplusia ni is a widespread agricultural pest with similar looping larval and pattern; distinguished by more distribution and association with cultivated Brassicaceae
More Details
Nomenclature
The was originally described as Phytometra nichollae by Hampson in 1913 and later transferred to Plusia. The specific epithet likely honors an individual, possibly a or associated with early western North lepidopteran surveys.
Research status
This has received limited focused study compared to economically important plusiines such as or Chrysodeixis includens. Most records derive from general faunal surveys and museum collections rather than targeted ecological research.