Noctuidae - Acontiinae

 

 

 

Ponometia clausula (Grote)

Xanthoptera clausula Grote, 1882, Papilio, 2:186.

Diagnosis: The is the smallest of a trio of similarly marked species including Ponometia bioclorata and Ponometia semiflava. The basal half of the forewing is bright yellow. The medial line separates the yellow inner half of the wing from the darker outer half. This line is straight and nearly vertical and accented with white. The darker outer half of the wing is gray and covered with a frosting of white scales. The fringe has a alternate pattern of gray and white patches. The hindwing is completely suffused with gray-brown. Wing length from base to apex in one selected individual 7 mm.

Distribution: (Based only on material in the USNM). This species occurs from western Texas westward into southern Arizona.

Identification Quality: Good

Larva: Unknown

Foodplants: Unknown

Distribution map based on specimens in the USNM

Ponometia clausula

The small size of Ponometia clausula and the gray outer half with the dusting of white scales easily separates this species from either bicolorata or semiflava.

Similar Species

Ponometia bicolorata

Ponometia semiflava