Chalcopasta acema (Druce)

Plusia acema Druce, 1889, in Godman and Salvin, Biologia Centrali Americana, Insecta, Lepidoptera Heterocera, 1:330, pl. 30, fig. 14.

Diagnosis: Chalcopasta acema resembles the species of the territans group but is smaller and the brown areas of the forewing are darker and more extensive. Its closest relative is the Mexican species Chalcopasta chalcotoxum Dyar. Chalcopasta chalcotoxum is not known from the United States but could conceivably be found in the US some day. The two species are very close, particularly females. However the forewing of acema appears rounder and the green band on the forewing is broader and has more regular edges. The spines of the apex of the vesica are larger and more splayed in acema than in chalcotoxum. Wing length from base to apex: mean = 13.43 mm., standard deviation = 0.89 mm., n = 7.

Distribution: Chalcopasta acema has been collected only in southern Arizona (Cochise and Santa Cruz Counties) in the United States. In Mexico It is known from Guerrero and Michoacan in Mexico, but probably occurs throughout most the western dry areas of the country.

Adults have been collected in July and August.

Identification Quality: Excellent

Larva: Unknown

Foodplants: Unknown

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