Observation date: October 05, 2020
Submitted by: dawittrock2231
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Near a floodlight on my deck. I found the information on c-nigrum/dolosa complex confusing and somewhat contradictory, as they do still have separate entries for each "species." It really leaves open the question of whether they are one or two or more species. A question that appears legitimate in a number of species groups (e.g., Peros, Zanclognathas...). Do you have a reference for a good, beginning to intermediate level book about moths? Not a field guide, something more academic/science based. I'm not an entomolgist (actually, I'm a psychologist, we didn't really need to worry about what species we were dealing with) and it is time to delve a little deeper.
Status: Resident
Verified by: Ilona L.
Verified date: October 10, 2020
Coordinator notes: I would recommend posting a request on the FB mothing site or asking in the BG Moth Forum for suggestions. There are lists of books and publications on BG but the list is a bit overwhelming. https://bugguide.net/node/view/57/bgref MPG also has some suggestions - https://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/Books.shtml
Xestia dolosa ID is based on size of moth so having an accurate measurement would help in placing to species level although looking at the comments on the individual moths posted in X. dolosa might give you some idea about the different measurements used. Some seem to be on length and others on wing span.
