Plagiomimicus mimica Poole

Plagiomimicus mimica Poole, 1995, The Moths of North America. Fascicile 26.1. Noctuoidea, Noctuidae (Part), p. 98, pl. 3, fig. 41 adult, pl. k, figs. 12,13 male genitalia, pl. p, fig. 10 female genitalia.

Diagnosis: The characters differentiating mimica from tepperi are discussed under tepperi. In general the species is smaller than tepperi and has a distinct olive or yellow tint. Although this species has been confused with tepperi, its closest relative is an undescribed species from the Mexico City region. This new species is twice as large as mimica, but the basic pattern and coloration are identical. The male genitalia are also much closer to those of mimica than to those of tepperi. Wing length from base to apex: mean = 11.82 mm., standard deviation = 0.77 mm., n = 10.

Distribution: This species has a wide distribution in the southwestern United States. It occurs as far east as western Texas, running westerward throughout New Mexico, Arizona, and southern California. I have also seen a specimen from central Utah. The species has not been collected in Mexico, although it undoubtedly occurs in the northern states. There is little or no variation in mimica and none of the size variation of that species.

Adults have been collected from July to September.

Identification Quality: Excellent

Larva: Unknown

Foodplants: Unknown

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