Xestia dilucida (Morrison)

Pogue, Michael G., 2006, The Noctuinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, U. S. A., Zootaxa 1215 (1), pp. 1-95 : 60-61

27. Xestia dilucida (Morrison)

( Figs. 68–69, Map 44)

Identification: Forewing length 17.0–22.0 mm. This species has dark reddish­gray forewing color with a contrasting dark reddish­brown thorax. Most specimens have the costal area from base to postmedial line pale gray. Orbicular spot is usually ground color barely outlined in dark reddish brown to black or can be faint to absent. Reniform spot is large and cream, with a few rufous scales and sometimes with a darker partial outline. Antemedial and postmedial lines are usually faint, but represented by black spots on the costa. Hindwing is dark gray with a pinkish cream fringe.

Flight period: Collected from September to early November.

Collected localities: North Carolina: Swain Co., Big Cove Road site b, Big Cove Road site p, Noland Creek . Tennessee: Cocke Co., Cosby campground area, Cosby Ranger Station , Foothills Parkway south overlook, Foothills Parkway 2 nd overlook East ; Sevier Co. , Elkmont , Park Headquarters. (30 specimens)

MAP 44. Collecting localities of Xestia dilucida . Elevation range: 1480–3540 ft. (451–1079 m)

General distribution: The range of X. dilucida extends from southern Maine to northern Florida, west to central Ohio, and eastern Texas ( Lafontaine 1998).

Larval hosts: Larvae have been reared on blueberry ( Vaccinium sp. , Ericaceae ) ( Lafontaine 1998).