Orgyia leucostigma sablensis
| Orgyia leucostigma sablensis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Lymantriidae |
| Genus: | Orgyia |
| Species: | O. leucostigma |
| Subspecies: | O. l. sablensis |
| Trinomial name | |
| Orgyia leucostigma sablensis (Neil, 1979) | |
Orgyia leucostigma sablensis is a subspecies of Orgyia leucostigma found only on Sable Island in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Description
Physical
O. l. sablensis shares many common characteristics with its mainland counterpart, O. l. plagiata.[1] Males and females of O. l. sablensis share the same antennae, palpi, genitalia and vestiture as O. l. plagiata.[1] Males of the subspecies have a rusty brown colored forewing and have marking similar to that O. l. plagiata but are generally less distinctive.[1] The gray coloring found on the median area of O. l. plagiata are generally absent in males on Sable Island, reduced to a small patch of coloring or absent altogether.[1] The discal dot for males of the subspecies is obscure and indistinct.[1] The undersides of both wings in males are a rusty brown color, while the upper-sides are a solid rusty brown.[1] Females of the subspecies are a very light gray color, and have small wing pads present.[1]
Behavior
Like O. l. plagiata, O. l. sablensis has a flight period that occurs from late July to mid-September.[1] The subspecies is a general feeder, and its larva has been found in blueberry, cranberry, bayberry and several species of sedges and grasses.[1]