Protoperigea anotha (Dyar, 1904)
93-2250
WA : Pend Oreille Co.
Salmo Mtn, 5860 ft
48.9, -117.1
July 17, 2007, LG Crabo.
Specimen courtesy of LGCC
Photograph copyright: Merrill A. Peterson
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Similar Species
Caradrina morpheus 
Homorthodes discreta "species-data"
species-data
Data Filters
Date Range
Elevation (ft)
Identification
Adults
Protoperigea anotha is a small to medium-sized (FW length 14 - 16 mm) noctuid moth that flies at high elevations during the summer. It has glossy, dull gray-brown wings with gray markings. The ground color varies from slightly yellow-brown to gray-brown, with a dusty appearance due to sprinkled dark scales. The scales are easily rubbed off the wing and this species is difficult to find and maintain in good condition. The lines are gray, single, indistinct, and darkest at the costal margin. The antemedial line is slightly irregular but visible across the entire wing. The postmedial line is dentate, squared toward the lateral margin around the reniform spot and nearly straight across the wing to the trailing margin below the spot. The median line is a broad gray shade. The subterminal line is irregular, mostly evident as the interface between gray medial to the line and the ground color terminal area. The orbicular spot is a small dark spot or is absent. The reniform spot is only evident as the gray filling. The claviform spot is absent. The hindwing is glossy whitish gray, slightly darker toward the outer margin, with a faint gray discal spot and light gray fringe. The head and thorax are even gray-brown. The male antenna is filiform.
This species can be recognized by its glossy dull-colored forewing and dark spots. It is unlikely to be mistaken for another species in its high elevation habitat, although it could potentially be confused with Caradrina morpheus even though these species are unlikely to be collected together. The forewing margin of C. morpheus is squared off unlike the more pointed shape in P. anotha, both spots are equally prominent and often have a reddish flush in this species that is lacking in P. anotha, the forewing has a brassy sheen that P. anotha lacks, and it has a well-defined gray subterminal area unlike the more diffuse gray shading in P. anotha.
Habitat
This species is primarily limited to open, barren rocky ridgetops and lava fields at high elevations in the Cascades. It also lives in high-elevation conifer forests.
Distribution
Pacific Northwest
Protoperigea anotha is found at high elevations in the Cascade Mountains, and throughout most of British Columbia at least as far north as Pink Mountain north of Fort St. John.
Global
This species also occurs in the Rocky Mountains in western Alberta.
Life History
Larvae
No information is presently available regarding larval foodplants of this species.
Adults
This species is single brooded and the adults fly during the summer. It has most commonly been collected in July in our area. It is nocturnal and comes to lights.
Economic Importance
None.
