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Identification key to the Noctuinae occurring in the Dakotas

     Below are four possibilities: A, B, C and D.  Compare your moth to each successive choice.  These choices are not always mutually exclusive, proceed to 'B' only if your specimen does not fit 'A', likewise for B, C, and D. 

 

A.  Hindwings yellow.
 

 

Example of yellow hindwing.     Example of yellow hindwing.

 

 

   B.  Protibia with complete row of mesal and lateral setae.

Protibial setae of Feltia jaculifera.     Protibial setae of Protogygia pallida

Lateral setae not hidden by fringe of scales.

 
C.  Protibia without setae.

 

Protibia without setae, Abagrotis trigona

 

 

   D.  Not exactly fitting
other choices.

Protibia showing mesal setae and lateral scale fringe.       Pale dorsal hindwing of Xestia dolosa.

 Dorsal hindwing of Anaplectoides prasina.     Dark dorsal hindwing of Eurois occulta.
 

 

 

Return to introduction

Return to Family Noctuiidae

  
 

 

 

Last updated: 02/06/07

Dr. Gerald M. Fauske
collection manager, NDSIRC
research specialist, NDSU
216 Hultz Hall
Fargo, ND 58105
E-Mail: Gerald.Fauske@ndsu.nodak.edu

 
Published by the Department of Entomology 


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