Syngrapha celsa

The silver Y marking on the forewing distinguishes this species from non-Plusiinae noctuids. The plain, unpatterned ground color separates it from more boldly marked Syngrapha species such as S. rectangula. Genitalia examination may be required for definitive identification from closely related species.

Wingspan 34–38 mm. Forewings display a characteristic silver Y-shaped mark, typical of the genus Syngrapha. Overall coloration relatively plain compared to related species, with muted gray-brown tones.

Coniferous forests of western North America, associated with montane and subalpine zones where host trees occur.

British Columbia southward through Washington and Oregon to California, eastward to Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Adults fly from July to September; exact timing varies by latitude and elevation.

Larvae feed on Abies lasiocarpa (subalpine fir), Abies grandis (grand fir), Abies concolor (white fir), Picea engelmannii (Engelmann spruce), Picea glauca (white spruce), Pinus monticola (western white pine), and Tsuga heterophylla (western hemlock).

• Abies lasiocarpa - larval host
• Abies grandis - larval host
• Abies concolor - larval host
• Picea engelmannii - larval host
• Picea glauca - larval host
• Pinus monticola - larval host
• Tsuga heterophylla - larval host

Larval feeding on conifer foliage contributes to nutrient cycling in montane forest ecosystems. Population outbreaks may cause localized defoliation of host trees.

Occasional forest pest during outbreak years; larvae may defoliate economically important conifer species including true firs and spruces.

• Syngrapha rectangulaMore contrasting wing pattern with distinct dark markings; S. celsa has plainer overall appearance

• noctuidae
• plusiinae
• conifer feeder
• western north america
• forest pest

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