Orgyia leucostigma sablensis

Orgyia leucostigma sablensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lymantriidae
Genus: Orgyia
Species: O. leucostigma
Subspecies: O. l. sablensis
Trinomial name
Orgyia leucostigma sablensis
(Neil, 1979)

Orgyia leucostigma sablensis is a subspecies of Orgyia leucostigma found only on Sable Island in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Description

Physical

O. l. sablensis shares many common characteristics with its mainland counterpart, O. l. plagiata.[1] Males and females of O. l. sablensis share the same antennae, palpi, genitalia and vestiture as O. l. plagiata.[1] Males of the subspecies have a rusty brown colored forewing and have marking similar to that O. l. plagiata but are generally less distinctive.[1] The gray coloring found on the median area of O. l. plagiata are generally absent in males on Sable Island, reduced to a small patch of coloring or absent altogether.[1] The discal dot for males of the subspecies is obscure and indistinct.[1] The undersides of both wings in males are a rusty brown color, while the upper-sides are a solid rusty brown.[1] Females of the subspecies are a very light gray color, and have small wing pads present.[1]

Behavior

Like O. l. plagiata, O. l. sablensis has a flight period that occurs from late July to mid-September.[1] The subspecies is a general feeder, and its larva has been found in blueberry, cranberry, bayberry and several species of sedges and grasses.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Niel, Kenneth (1979). "A new subspecies of Orgyia leucostigma from Sable Island, NS". Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society. Lepidopterists' Society. 33 (4): 245–247.
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