Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera


Rhizagrotis cloanthoides (Grote, 1881)
Family: Noctuidae
Subfamily: Noctuinae
Identification: This moth can be recognized by its streaked brown and gray forewing with strong black marks at the base, near the end of the cell, and on the distal wing. The pattern of the subterminal line gives the impression that the terminal area is depressed relative to the subterminal area and more proximal wing. Rhizagrotis cloanthoides is most likely to be confused with several species of Protogygia, with which it flies. These species are similar in size and streaky brown, but all lack the black subterminal line of R. cloanthoides. In addition these Protogygia species have pale-rimmed elongate orbicular spot that are often fused with the reniform spot unlike the poorly-defined spots in R. cloanthoides.
Wing Span: 2.6-3.4 cm.
Life History:
Flight: June and July
Caterpillar Hosts: Unknown
Adult Food:
Habitat: This species is found at low elevations in the Columbia Basin and Great Basin regions in very dry sagebrush steppe. It is often common in this restricted habitat, particularly in the Alvord Desert of southeastern Oregon.
Range: western North America
Conservation:
NCGR:
Management Needs:
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Verified Sightings

Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 verified sightings
Observation date: Aug 05, 2021
Submitted by: Dwaine Wagoner
Region: Natrona County, Wyoming, United States
Verified by: J_Martineau
Verified date: Apr 23, 2026
  Details

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