According to Rindge (1975) A Revision of the Bistonii, page 126, the slight olivaceous tint is often present on fresh strigataria..."The males of strigataria are smaller than those of the two preceding species [denticulata and titea]. The upper surface of the forewings is paler, with less dark scaling than in denticulata, and is faintly olivaceous gray in color." A useful aid in i.d. when you have a fresh specimen. No mention of olivaceous tint in denticulata in the same reference. As I said the best mark is the pm line. Merrill On Tue, Feb 28, 2012 at 7:16 AM, kjchilds <kjchilds@xxxxxxxxx> wrote: > > I don't think the olivaceous FW color can be considered a reliable field mark > for strigataria. I've seen denticulata with that tint. > > Ken Childs > Henderson, TN > Chester County > > http://tinyurl.com/FinishFlagFarmsMoths > http://www.finishflagfarms.com > > ________________________________ > From: J. Merrill Lynch <jmerrilllynch@xxxxxxxxx> > To: "ncsc-moths@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <ncsc-moths@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>; tn-moths > <tn-moths@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> > Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 3:44 AM > Subject: [tn-moths] Phigalia strigataria 6660 > > Here is an image of Phigalia strigataria 6660, taken 22 Feb. 2011 at > Echo Valley Farm, Watauga Co., NC. Note the almost straight pm line > with no deep scalloping. Also note the slight olivaceous tint to the > forewings which is another field mark for strigataria. > > Merrill Lynch > Echo Valley Farm > Watauga Co., NC > > -- J. Merrill Lynch Echo Valley Farm Watauga County, NC Elevation: 3,400 feet