Observation date: September 14, 2022
Submitted by: cdfrick
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Resting on the ground near an oil well site on a sunny afternoon. This moth had a very coppery hindwing and had an overall faint coppery sheen that doesn't come across as well in the photos as it did in person.
I've done quite a bit of research and think I've narrowed down ID to one of the Enargias (E. decolor [Pale Enargia] or E. infumata [Smoked Sallow]) but haven't got much feedback in a couple of moth groups. It appears either would be a pretty good find for Kansas so wanted to post here for consideration.
Note on ID: There appears to be some overlap between the distinct dark spot entirely contained within the reniform spot on E. infumata (see bugguide entries 2007072, 1860045, 1871877) and the intrusion of the median line into the reniform spot on E. decolor (see bugguide entries 2040238, 1868547, 885181), so I've been hesitant to read much into that particular mark regarding this moth.
Status: Resident
Verified by: James Steen
Verified date: February 08, 2023
Coordinator notes: I've checked several sources to identify this guy, definitely a male of the species. Check out http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu using the search at top of page. Searching is slightly quirky on that site, but using the two possible species you mentioned decided it for me. I could not find online any record for this species being taken in Kansas before, so I am unsure if this is a state record. Range maps I found showed nearest records were in central CO. The mention of the coppery sheen could indicate a resident rather than a stray, the sheen most times represents a fresh or fresher specimen in moths & butterflies. I feel confident this is a male of the species Enargia infumata. Great sighting. Thank you! JAMES STEEN
