Moth Photographers Group – Ponometia acutus

Digital Guide to Moth Identification

931332 – 9105 – Ponometia acutus – Smith, 1905

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Similar Species:

In Ponometia acutus the black shading of the median area starts off the hind margin of the forewing at a more oblique angle than in P. elegantula and the part above the reniform spot extends up to the costa at a more oblique angle too, giving the line an acute angle overall, centered at the reniform spot. The fringe varies with the form and may be all white, with a white patch at 1/3 from apex, or with black areas at apex, 1/3 and at the bottom, or occasionally all over the fringe.

In Ponometia elegantula there are two basic forms with typical elegantula having an almost straight inner edge to the broad, black medial line, often with a notch at the reniform spot, and white areas beyond this, to form arizonae in which the medial line is thin with fuscous reddish-gray shading beyond it. In all forms the line is less acutely angled at the reniform spot and the dark shading in the fringe is confined to the upper half of the fringe and often broken into two areas (apex and 1/3). ~ D.L.

Taxonomic Notes:

Formerly placed in the genus Conochares. Includes as a synonym Ponometia catalina [9108].

References

Species Page at BugGuide.Net
Species Page at BOLD Barcoding Project.
Powell, J. A. & P. A. Opler, Moths of Western North America, Pl. 50.21m; p. 280. Book Review and ordering
Robert W. Poole's species page and map at Nearctica.com.

Canadian National Collection

Moth Photographers Group at the Mississippi Entomological Museum at the Mississippi State University

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