Oslaria viridifera (Grote)

Zotheca viridifera Grote, [1883] 1882, Canad. Ent., 14: 217.

Diagnosis: Oslaria viridifera is an easily recognized species. The forewing, and indeed the rest of the body, is a pale, washed-out green-brown color. The forewing has a strong olive green streak across the median area between the antemedial and postmedial lines. There is also olive green scaling between the reniform spot and orbicular spot along the costal margin. In the subterminal and terminal bands there is a green streak along the medial vein from the outermost extension of the postmedial line to the outer margin. The antemedial line slants outward from the costa to the inner margin. The postmedial line curves outward from the costa, around the reniform spot, and then sharply back toward the base to the dark median streak. The hindwing is a pale yellow to green color, but very light with slight hint of the postmedial and subterminal lines. Wing length: mean = 14.32 mm, standard deviation = 0.79 mm, n = 10.

Adults have been collected in late July, August, and September.

Distribution: This species occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. In the United States it occurs in southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and southern Texas. The species has also been collected in the state of Coahuila in northern Mexico. There is some variation in the clearness of the maculation of the forewing. Females tend to be slightly larger than males. On the whole, however, there is not much variation in this species.

Identification Quality: Excellent

Larva: Unknown

Foodplants: Unknown

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