Xestia perquiritata (Morrison)

Pogue, Michael G., 2006, The Noctuinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, U. S. A., Zootaxa 1215 (1), pp. 1-95 : 64-65

31. Xestia perquiritata (Morrison)

( Fig. 77, Map 48)

Identification: Forewing length 14.0–19.0 mm. This species is easily recognized by the contrasting black and white pattern. Orbicular spot is small and outlined in black. Reniform spot has a sharply angled distal margin and outlined in black. Antemedial is a black wavy line bordered by white patches proximally. Postmedial is a black wavy line bordered by white patches distally. Subterminal area has a series of black triangulate patches between veins. Terminal line is a series of small black triangular spots. Fringe is checked black and white.

Flight period: Collected from late July to early August.

Collected localities: North Carolina: Swain Co., Clingman’s Dome, 1.2 mi NE Clingman’s Dome parking lot Noland Divide Trail, 3.3 mi NE Clingman’s Dome parking lot Fork Ridge Trail, 5.6 mi SW of Jct. 441 & Clingman’s Dome Rd. Noland Divide Trail. (16 specimens)

MAP 48. Collecting localities of Xestia perquiritata

Elevation range: 5780–6640 ft. (1762–2024 m)

General distribution: This is a boreal species occurring across North America from Newfoundland, Labrador, and northern New England west to central Yukon, British Columbia, and Washington. There are several disjunct populations, including GSMNP, the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, and a coastal bog in central Oregon. ( Lafontaine 1998).

Larval hosts: Larvae are spruce­fir feeders reared on white and Englemann spruce ( Picea glauca (Moench) Voss and P. englemanni Parry , Pinaceae ) and balsam and subalpine fir ( Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. and A. lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt. , Pinaceae ) ( Lafontaine 1998).