Endangered Resources Program Species Information
Ernestine's Moth (Phytometra ernestinana)

Overview

Species Overview

There is no overview information available for that species.

Status and NHI Documented Occurrences in Wisconsin

The table below provides information about the protected status (State and Federal Status) and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Ernestine's Moth (Phytometra ernestinana). See the Working List Key for more information about the abbreviations used. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. For invertebrates, dots depict locations from the "Invertebrate Atlas," a database with occurrences of rare and common aquatic and select terrestrial invertebrate species found in Wisconsin and adjacent areas. While the invertebrate atlas is a quality assured database, not all records have been verified. The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has been found to date and is not meant as a range map.

Summary Information State Status: SC/N Federal Status in Wisconsin: none State Rank: SU Global Rank: G4 Tracked by NHI: W Species of Greatest Conservation Need:

Detailed Information

Identification: The forewings are yellow and distinctively marked with pink along the leading edge, the outer edge and diagonally across the wing. White fringe borders the outer edge. The hindwings are pale and unmarked. The head is also pink. The specific markings on this species should separate it from other similar moths. The immatures have not yet been described.

Habitat: Sand prairie in Wisconsin. Found in the pine barrens region along Lake Huron.

State Distribution: Columbia and Sauk counties. Possibly is not a permanent breeding resident in Wisconsin, but may wander in from the south, find host plants and produce a second generation, whose offspring may be unable to survive the winter.

Global Distribution: Rare in northern U.S. Found along Lake Huron in Ontario in 1993.

Phenology: Little information available for Wisconsin. Adults have been collected in Sauk and Columbia Counties on May 9, August 3, August 28 and September 1.

Life History: Unknown.

Survey Guidance: Blacklight for adults May through August. Moths are attracted to blacklight if weather conditions permit moth activity. In general, a temperature in the low 50’s F or higher at dusk is necessary for successful sampling. Cloudy, humid conditions (even a light drizzle) with little or no moonlight are most desirable. New county records should be documented with voucher specimens.

Inventory, Monitoring and Research Needs: Need to resurvey the existing localities as well as any potential open dry habitats.

Information originally presented as part of the Online Field Guide to Rare Lepidoptera: Bogs and Barrens.

Photos

Click on a photo to view a larger version. Please considering donating your photos to the Endangered Resources Program for educational uses. See also information regarding use of photos

Photo © Les Ferge.

Related Links

Links to Additional Ernestine's Moth Information

• Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA) [Exit DNR]
• Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility (CBIF) [Exit DNR]

Other Links Related to Butterflies and Moths

• Wisconsin Butterflies (Mike Reese)
• More Butterfly Links
• The Field Museum [Exit DNR]
• Online Field Guide to Rare Lepidoptera: Bogs and Barrens