Apamea smythi (Smyth's Apamea Moth)

[Sebbe]

No records for over 30 years, Virginia record probably closer to 80 years old. Illinois report was for 1966. Rank should become GU (not G1!) if rediscovered until habitat and foodplant become sufficiently understood and inventory sufficiently complete to allow for a meaningful GRANK.

explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.118894/Apamea_smythi

[Sebbe]

The Moths of North America. NOCTUOIDEA NOCTUIDAE (PART) XYLENINAE (PART) APAMEINI (Part—Apamea group of genera).

This large species (forewing length: 23–24 mm) is one of the least-collected moths in eastern North America in that it has been found only twice and yet occurs in areas of the country that are relatively well collected.

The forewing is dark brown with a paler yellowish-brown flush, especially distal to the reniform and claviform spots. The maculation is diagnostic; the three spots are outlined in black and mainly filled with the ground color; the reniform spot is large with a dark-gray patch posteriorly; the orbicular spot is elliptical and has a black central dot; the claviform spot is a small rounded loop. The terminal area and outer part of the subterminal area are much darker brown than the ground color. The W-mark of the subterminal line is not prominent. The hindwing is dark fuscous, slightly paler basally. The male genitalia are characterized by the narrow uncus, large cucullus, long slender digitus, and relatively small sacculus. The immature stages are unknown.

Apamea smythi is only known from the type locality in Virginia and from western Illinois. The adults were collected in the latter half of July.

images.peabody.yale.edu/mona/26-9-ocr.pdf