Abagrotis duanca Smith 1908

An uncommon and local species in Alberta.

In Alberta it flies in late June and July.

Another western species. In Alberta it has been collected only in the extreme southeastern corner.

A. duanca is a medium-size dark blackish or red-brown Abagrotis superficially resembling a number of other Abagrotis sp., including placida, hermina, dodi and reedi. The contrasting pale-tipped scales of the prothoracic collar are diagnostic. The reniform and round orbicular are usually ringed with pale scales, which also mark the subterminal line. The hindwings are dull black.

Dry sagebrush grasslands.

Poorly known. There is a single annual brood. Adults come to light

The larnval host is reported to be sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata) (Lafontaine, 1998); other species of sagebrush are undoubtedly also used.

Abagrotis duanca is a moth of the family Noctuidae first described by Smith in 1908. It is found in the Pacific Northwest of North America. In Alberta it has been collected only in the extreme southeastern corner.

The wingspan is about 28 mm. Adults are on wing from June to July in one generation in Alberta.

Reported food plants include Artemisia tridentata.