Psammopolia ochracea (Smith), comb. n.

Figs 127, 128, 189, 244. Map 23

Xylomiges ochracea Smith, 1892: 75 .

Lasionycta ochracea; McDunnough 1938: 71.

Type material. Syntypes [USNM, examined]. Type locality: Alameda County, California. Smith attributed the authorship to Riley; however, Smith wrote the description

and published the name so the authorship goes to Smith. Riley is listed as author in most lists except Poole (1989).

Diagnosis. Psammopolia ochracea is the smallest and most widely distributed Californian species. It is dark brown, often reddish, and has a large orbicular spot that is open along the radial vein. Th e conspicuous orbicular and reniform spots are outlined in black and filled with pale scales peripherally and darker ground scales centrally. The genitalia of both sexes are similar to those of P. arietis . Th e male is the only Psammopolia with a bipectinate antenna. Females differ from the other Californian species in the length of the corpus bursae, 1.75× the ductus bursae in P. ochracea, 1.0× in P. insolens and P. sala .

Distribution and biology. Psammopolia ochracea is found in coastal California between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It flies in September and October. It occurs on sand beaches and is nocturnal.