Cucullia albida Smith

Cucullia albida Smith, 1894, Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., 21:84, pl. 4, fig. 9.

Rancora albicinerea Smith, 1903, Canad. Ent., 35:137.

Diagnosis: Cucullia albida is a much lighter species than strigata and the forewing of fresh specimens has a distinctly bluish tinge. The name albida is based on extremely light, almost white, Colorado specimens collected in the latter part of the nineteenth centry. The extreme lightness of these Colorado specimens is probably due to their poor condition and fading. However no new, fresh specimens are known from Colorado and a comparison cannot be made. If a subspecific concept is employed, the name albida applies to the Colorado population and albicinerea to populations in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Other than the color differences, these two populations are very similar and the male genitalia do not differ significantly. The separation of albida and strigata and areas of possible overlap in their ranges are discussed under strigata. Wing length from base to apex: mean = 20.50 mm., standard deviation = 0.74 mm., n = 10.

Distribution: Cucullia albida occurs in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and extreme eastern British Columbia. It has also been collected in central Colorado.

Adults with collection dates were all taken in May.

Identification Quality: Excellent

Larva: Unknown

Foodplants: Unknown

Similar Species

Cucullia strigata