Behrensia conchiformis

Family: Noctuidae · Class: Insecta · Order: Lepidoptera

Behrensia conchiformis is a moth species in the family Noctuidae, classified under the order Lepidoptera. This species represents one of the lesser-documented noctuid moths found in California, with limited available information regarding its physical characteristics and detailed biology. The species occurs in California, with documented records from Modoc County in the northeastern portion of the state. According to lepidopterist records, specimens have been collected from Barber Canyon, approximately 6 miles northwest of Adin, at an elevation of 5,000 feet (Lepidopterists' Society 2006). Additional records indicate the species' presence in San Luis Obispo County, specifically documented 7.2 miles east of Morro Bay along Route 41 (Lepidopterists' Society 2008). These collection localities suggest the species may have a broader distribution across California than currently documented. Habitat requirements for B. conchiformis have not been thoroughly studied or documented in the available literature. The elevation range from collection records spans from near sea level in coastal San Luis Obispo County to 5,000 feet in the modoc plateau region, indicating potential tolerance for diverse elevation zones. The Modoc County locality represents high desert plateau habitat, while the San Luis Obispo record suggests adaptation to coastal foothill environments. Specific behavioral patterns, flight periods, and ecological relationships remain poorly documented for this species. The timing of documented collections suggests activity during spring months, with May records from Modoc County indicating potential emergence during late spring in higher elevation habitats. Adult moths were collected during field surveys conducted by lepidopterists, but detailed information about larval host plants, developmental biology, and reproductive behavior has not been published in accessible scientific literature. Behrensia conchiformis appears on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Special Animals List, which tracks species regardless of their legal protection status (BugGuide 2016). This inclusion indicates the species is considered of conservation interest, though it lacks formal state or federal listing status. The species is tracked in the California Natural Diversity Database, suggesting concerns about population status or habitat threats, though specific population data and trend information are not available in current databases. The limited documentation of this species reflects broader challenges in studying and monitoring California's diverse moth fauna. Many noctuid species remain understudied, with basic biological information lacking for numerous taxa. Collection records from widely separated counties suggest B. conchiformis may occur in suitable habitat across a broader range than currently documented, but systematic surveys would be required to determine true distribution patterns and population status. Detailed ecological studies of this species are lacking. The above information synthesizes available observations from lepidopterist records and database listings. Enhanced documentation of this species' biology, distribution, and ecological requirements would benefit from targeted field research and continued monitoring efforts by specialists in California's moth fauna.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.