Lacinipolia pensilis (Grote, 1874)

Schmidt, B. Christian, 2015, Revision of the Lacinipoliavicina (Grote) complex (Noctuidae, Noctuinae, Eriopygini), ZooKeys 527, pp. 103-126 : 108-109

Taxon classification Animalia Lepidoptera Noctuidae

Lacinipolia pensilis (Grote, 1874) Figs 22-27, 57, 61, 65, 71

Dianthoecia pensilis Grote, 1874b: 199.

Type material.

described from at least 1 male and 1 female syntype; the following male [BMNH] is here designated as lectotype: " Dianthoecia / pensilis ♂ / Type Grote" [red-bordered handwritten label]; “Type” [round, red-bordered, typed label]; Vancouver I / Grote Coll. / 81 - 116"; “5597”; Noctuidae / Brit. Mus. slide / No. 4912 ♂" [blue type-written label]; the following label will be added: "Lectotype / Dianthoecia / pensilis Grote, 1874 / desig. by Schmidt 2015." Type locality: Victoria, [Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada].

Diagnosis.

Lacinipolia pensilis is a northwestern montane species that is often confused with Lacinipolia sareta and also Lacinipolia acutipennis in parts of the range. Compared to Lacinipolia sareta , Lacinipolia pensilis flies later (August to September versus June to early August), and differs considerably in genitalic structure of both males and females as outlined in the key and the Lacinipolia sareta account.

Separating pensilis from dark forms of Lacinipolia acutipennis , which are prevalent in montane habitats of the Pacific Northwest, poses the greatest identification challenge in the Lacinipolia vicina group. Lacinipolia pensilis usually has better-defined forewing markings, richer brown tones in the forewing medial area, and no tendency for streaky pale patches in the forewing apical area; Lacinipolia pensilis also averages slightly larger with a broader forewing. The spined crest of the male phallus is more robust and usually with more spines, and never has the thin apically-projecting spine that is normally found in Lacinipolia acutipennis . In montane parts of the Pacific Northwest (interior British Columbia, northern and central Washington) habitat can help to separate the two, with Lacinipolia pensilis occurring from dry montane woodland to high elevation subalpine forest, whereas Lacinipolia acutipennis is characteristic of the dry, low-elevation habitats of the major intermontane valleys. See also remarks in the Lacinipolia acutipennis account.

Distribution and biology.

This species occurs in the western cordilleran region from central British Columbia and western Alberta southward to at least Washington and central Utah. The distribution pattern suggests it may occur farther south along the Cascade–Coast Ranges through Oregon, and further work is needed to establish the southwestern range limits. The larval description and host plants require clarification since the information given by Crumb (1956) and Godfrey (1972) was probably based on both Lacinipolia acutipennis and Lacinipolia pensilis . The larvae likely are ground-dwelling, general feeders on shrubs and herbs.