Observation date: May 18, 2015
Submitted by: Kristie Nelson
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: ** Sulfur Buckwheat (Eriogonum umebellatum) was common around the moth -- I observed it under one. I see in refs buckwheats are the food for D. howlandii, although I see nothing online about food of tejonica. Perhaps that helps in ID?
In arid, black-cinder covered region of north shore of Mono Lake. scattered small shrubs.
Had bright orange & black striped HW; upon landing it consistently held wings out & flashed them (opening & closing like a butterfly) before folding wings in. I didn't have a good camera with me, but this was a gorgeous moth -- golden & brown marks on white
Status: Resident
Verified by: Robert Martin
Verified date: May 22, 2015
Coordinator notes: I think your thought of Drasteria tejonica is correct.
Bob Martin
