Grammia bolanderi, (STRETCH)

Schmidt, B. Christian, 2009, Taxonomic revision of the genus Grammia Rambur (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Arctiinae), Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 156 (3), pp. 507-597 : 552-553

GRAMMIA BOLANDERI (STRETCH) ( FIGS 31, 131 )

Arctia bolanderi Stretch, 1872: 76 , pl. 3, fig. 13.

Apantesis bolanderi (Stretch) ; Franclemont, 1983: 117.

Grammia bolanderi (Stretch) ; Ferguson & Opler, 2006: 10.

Type material: Described from a single male from Mt. Shasta [Siskiyou Co.], CA [ USA], and like most of Stretch’s type material, is presumed lost .

Diagnosis: I have not seen any specimens matching the original description and illustration of G. bolanderi , and the following is based only on the original description. Grammia bolanderi resembles G. williamsii , but the more elongate forewing shape, smaller, less robust body, reduced hindwing antemedial and medial spots, and discrete rather than confluent postmedial and subterminal markings distinguish G. bolanderi ; G. williamsii is not known to occur west of the Cascade/Sierra Nevada crest, although both species could occur together in the northern Sierra Nevada. The small size and overall pattern of bolanderi approach G. fergusoni , but the straight vs. curved postmedial line, lack of hindwing antemedial and medial spots (well developed in G. fergusoni ), and hindwing ground colour (pink vs. reddish orange) suggest that these species are not conspecific. Also, fergusoni is restricted to the Sierra Nevada. See ‘Remarks’ below.

Description: Head, Thorax, Abdomen – Unknown; although the head, antennae, and markings of the thorax and abdomen are clearly visible in the illustration accompanying the original description, Stretch (1872) notes in the text description that ‘the condition of the body parts of the only specimen I have seen, is such as to preclude an accurate description.’ This calls into question the accuracy of the illustrated specimen. The thorax and abdomen are depicted with the light and dark striped pattern typical of the genus, but no written description is given. The antennae appear thickened, presumably slightly bipectinate. Forewing – Wing expanse given as 1.00 inch, which corresponds to a forewing length of about 12 mm; ground colour blackish brown, fringes, costa, and anal margin yellowish; antemedial band restricted to wedge at costal margin; medial, postmedial, subterminal bands, and postcubital stripe well developed; medial and postmedial confluent at and extending through postcubital stripe; bands dirty yellowish in colour; anal dash absent. Hindwing – Ground colour described as rose, markings black, consisting of three postmedial spots and partial subterminal band; fringes yellowish; ventrally with similar pattern but more yellowish colour overall, hindwing ground colour orange-rose. Genitalia: unknown.

Biology: Unknown. Grammia bolanderi is most similar to G. williamsii and G. blakei , and, like these species may fly in spring or early summer. May be diurnal.

Distribution: Known only from Mt. Shasta, CA, the type locality ( Fig. 131 ).

Molecular variation: No data available, no extant specimens.

Remarks: Little additional information on bolanderi has come to light since Marion Smith remarked that ‘its specific standing must remain in question’ 70 years ago ( Smith, 1938a). Nevertheless, the original description and accompanying illustration leave little doubt that bolanderi is distinct from any other species known to occur in northern CA and the Pacific Northwest. Earlier authors often associated it with G. blakei , but the differences in markings, coloration, habitat, and geographical range preclude conspecific status with that species. The small size, forewing shape, straight postmedial band, and absence of basal and antemedial bands are characteristic of G. williamsii , but the loss of hindwing antemedial and medial elements is rare in G. williamsii , particularly males. Also, G. williamsii is not known to occur west of the Great Basin ranges and the east slope of the Sierra Nevada, with the nearest records from Sierra Co., CA, about 250 km south-east of Mt. Shasta. Given the phenotypic and biogeographical differences, G. bolanderi and G. williamsii are not conspecific. Until specimens from the vicinity of the type locality are discovered, the taxonomic affinities of this enigmatic Grammia will remain uncertain.

Figures

Figures 126–131. Distribution of examined specimens of Grammia.