Macromoths of Northwest Forests and Woodlands
Cerastis enigmatica [Noctuidae]
Wingspan 3.3 cm. Forewing is dark red-brown with a pale red submarginal border, orbicular and reniform spots fused together to form a large, red-colored, "v" shaped spot; thoracic collar pale yellow. This noctuid is endemic and abundant in wet coastal forests of the Pacific Northwest. Moths fly in early spring. Caterpillars feed on the foliage of salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis).
Similar species: Cerastis gloriosa is larger, forewing with fused white discal spots, uncommon and occurs in wet coastal forests of the Pacific Northwest; species of Stretchia, such as Stretchia muricina, lack the yellow thoracic collar and males have strongly pectinate antennae.
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