Petalumaria californica (Buckett and Bauer)

Petaluma californica Buckett and Bauer, 1964, Jour. Research Lep., 3: 194, figure 1 adult, figs. 2, 4 male genitalia, figure 3 foretarsus.

Diagnosis: Petalumaria californica is immediately separable from any other member of the Nocloini by a combination of the pectinate male antennae and its distribution in north-central California. The adult has a very shaggy appearance and in particular the head and the thorax are covered with masses of long, shaggy scales. The adult is an early spring flier, another feature contrary to the usual habits of most of the genera of the Nocloini. A shaggy appearance and pectinate antennae are common features of early spring flying noctuids. The forewing is brown and none of the maculation is particularly distinctive. The basal region is brown with the costal fourth flecked with slightly lighter brown scales; the antemedial line is black and bulges outwardly slightly at the position of the claviform mark. The claviform mark is elongate, ovate and defined by a thin black line. A group of slightly darker scales reaches from the apex of the claviform mark to the postmedial line making the claviform mark appear to reach the postmedial line on superficial inspection. The costal margin is accented with dark brown on its inner three-fourths this dark brown is sliced by three small dull light brown stripes beginning at the postmedial line and going outward. The median area is brown and slightly darker and browner than the part of the wing following the postmedial line. The orbicular and reniform marks are both very large and defined by outer black lines. The medial line is absent. The postmedial line is black and strongly scalloped, beginning on the costa at the basal margin of the reniform mark, curving strongly around the enlarged reniform mark, and then slanted strong into the inner margin. The outer third of the wing past the postmedial line is light brown than the median area and the subterminal and terminal lines are absent. Two dark gray-brown patchs are present on the outer margin, one near the vein M1 and the other near Cu2A. The hindwing is brown with a weak postmedial line and discal dot. Wing length: mean = 14.4 mm, n = 1.

Adults have been collected in February and March.

Distribution: Petalumaria californica has a very restricted known distribution in north-central California. The species has been collected in Sonoma, El Dorado, and Calaveras counties. The female is unknown.

Identification Quality: Excellent

Larva: Unknown

Foodplants: Unknown

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