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Digital Guide to Moth Identification

Noctuidae 931238 – 8951.1   Plusia magnimacula Handfield & Handfield, 2006              Large-spotted Looper

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Larva and Host Plants: Host familiy: Ericaceae[none_specified].  Host genera: .none_specified.  Host extended: [possibly Vaccinium].  (Kimberley & Douglas 2025) Description/ Field Marks: "The species name magnimacula refers to the relatively large size of the silver spots on the forewing." - Handfield, & Handfield (2006) Similar Species: Pinned specimens of related species. (Hint: select View by Region on the related species page.) Synonymy: magnimacula Handfield & Handfield, 2006 (Plusia) - MONA 1983: [NEW] Taxonomic Notes: Plusia magnimacula D. & L. Handfield, 2006, n. sp.: The Canadian Entomologist, 138: 853-859.

References (Caution: DNA barcoding at BOLD provides evidence of relatedness, not proof of identification; some BOLD specimens shown may not be sequenced.)

Barcode of Life (BOLD) - Caution: Identifications often erroneous; DNA barcode provides evidence of relatedness, not proof of identification; many specimens not sequenced. Handfield, L. & D. Handfield, 2006. A new species of Plusia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from North America. The Canadian Entomologist, 138(6): 853-859. (abstract and access (fee)) Shropshire, K.J. & D.W. Tallamy, 2025. Lepidoptera of North America, north of Mexico: an annotated list containing geographic ranges and host-plant records. ZooKeys, 1261: 101-113; Suppl. 1. (PDF or read online) Species Page at BugGuide.Net Species Page at Mass Moths Species Page at iNaturalist

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