Ottawa (Dunrobin), ON Canada

30 April 2003   11:24PM EST  (top left)
25 May 2004   11:06PM EST  (top right)
22 July 2003  (specimen captured 20 July 2003)  (bottom left)
30 May 2004   9:57PM EST  (bottom right)

Several specimens of Catabena lineolata have been collected and given to the Canadian National Collection in Ottawa.  My thanks to Dr. J.D. Lafontaine of Agriculture Canada for his assistance with the initial identification.

Catabena lineolata, sometimes called the Fine-Lined Sallow, is a smallish noctuid with a wingspan from 2.3 to 2.6 cm (Covell, 1983).  The forewing is light gray with a brownish cast, marked with very fine black and white lengthwise streaks.  The ends of the antemedial and postmedial lines are generally visible at the costa but otherwise obscure.  It is sometimes possible, however, to recognize the curve of the postmedial line by a slightly lighter color in the subterminal area, as in the photograph at top right.  The terminal line consists of a series of blackish dashes immediately preceding the fringe, which is often seen to have whitish streaks.  At the head end of the moth, the front side of the collar is crossed by fine dark lines (see photos at top right, bottom left).  The hindwing is white, with gray-brown shading preceding the terminal line, and white fringe.

The larvae of Catabena lineolata feed on goldenrod (Solidago) and hoary vervain (Verbena stricta) and, according to Handfield (1999), possibly other species of Verbena.  Handfield indicates two generations per year for this species in my general area, with flight seasons from early May to mid-June, and in the second half of July. 

I have recorded this species in 2003, on 30 May, 28 June and 20 July; in 2004, on 22, 25 and 30 May.