Scopula sentinaria (Geyer)

An uncommon (or uncommonly collected) species in Alberta, known from less than a dozen specimens.

Alberta specimens have been collected early June to late July, with the peak in mid July.

Alaska to Labrador, south in the prairies to southern Manitoba, Saskatchewan Alberta and BC; south in the mountains to Colorado. Sentinaria has been collected at sites scattered throughout much of Alberta, including the mountains and Cypress Hills and along river valleys in the arid grasslands region.

A small (20-27 mm wingspan) dull red-brown to bright rusty-orange moth, the basal half of the forewings usually suffused with darker scales. The wings are crossed with prominent narrow dark median, postmedian and subterminal lines. The fringe is bright maroon red. The male and female genitalia are described and illustrated in McGuffin, 1967.

Dry shrubby clearings and edges

Adults are diurnal. There is a single annual brood. Eggs hatch in about 6 days, and the larvae develop through at least 5 instars. The lavae hibernate for the winter in the fourth or fifth instar.

Reared in captivity with only partial success on Poygonum aviculare.