Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1038822

Observation date: March 30, 2015
Submitted by: Kristie Nelson
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Extracted from my truck grill (it was still alive) in Mammoth Lakes, CA. I had just driven from Lee Vining (30 ish mi). I had been seeing so many Lepids while driving hwy 395 (in particular a huge flight of whites, I wasn't sure the species, but figured if one was in my grill I'd be able to find out). Thus, I'd say it was day flying, in Sagebrush (Artemesia) probably Jefferey Pine forest component as well. Unfortunately by the time I got home, the specimen dried out and broke when I tried to pin it straight (but let me know if you may want it anyway - perhaps a voucher specimen for Mono Co.?) FW & body are both about 7mm
Status: Unknown
Verified by: Josiah Gilbert
Verified date: March 31, 2015
Coordinator notes: Your identification looks good. I know of no other Ethmia species in CA with that yellow dot on the FW. I deleted the now irrelevant portion of the comments on the first two sightings, but if you would like me to delete the whole comment I can. I think some of your comment is useful information though. Also, thanks for providing fairly detailed habitat information on your sightings, many don't provide this. In my mind, though, it increases the value of the sighting, and can sometimes be of use in identification.
Checklist region(s): United States, California, Mono County