311. Cascades Panthea Moth

This handsome moth was photographed on Canada Day, as part of our participation in a challenge to each post 150 species on iNaturalist for Canada's 150th  birthday. Panthea virginarius is a widespread moth in the west, associated with conifers.  On the coast they are pale moths with dark markings, and, in a reversal of the usual pattern of things, they are darker in the interior of the province.  The larvae feed on Douglas-fir, Ponderosa Pine, and likely Sitka Spruce.  This specimen was attracted to the deck lights we left on that night to attract nocturnal insects in order to bolster our species tally for the challenge.