Kingdom Animalia Class Insecta Family Lymantriidae Rank Subspecies | Phylum Arthropoda Order Lepidoptera Genus Orgyia | |
Orgyia leucostigma sablensis is a subspecies of Orgyia leucostigma found only on Sable Island in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Contents
Physical
O. l. sablensis shares many common characteristics with its mainland counterpart, O. l. plagiata. Males and females of O. l. sablensis share the same antennae, palpi, genitalia and vestiture as O. l. plagiata. Males of the subspecies have a rusty brown colored forewing and have marking similar to that O. l. plagiata but are generally less distinctive. The gray coloring found on the median area of O. l. plagiata are generally absent in males on Sable Island, reduced to a small patch of coloring or absent altogether. The discal dot for males of the subspecies is obscure and indistinct. The undersides of both wings in males are a rusty brown color, while the upper-sides are a solid rusty brown. Females of the subspecies are a very light gray color, and have small wing pads present.
Behavior
Like O. l. plagiata, O. l. sablensis has a flight period that occurs from late July to mid-September. The subspecies is a general feeder, and its larva has been found in blueberry, cranberry, bayberry and several species of sedges and grasses.