Distinguishing characters

Oligophlebodes ardis is recognized by the following composite of characters:

Wings: Forewings darkly patterned (lightly or sometimes difficult to discern in some preserved specimen).

Male genitalia: Lateral lobe of inferior appendage short and oriented in the horizontal plane, bearing two dentitions on the interrior margin. X external branch foot-shaped pointed posteriorad.

Similar species: Oligophlebodes ardis appears similar to O. sigma in respect to the overall shape of the lateral lobe of the inferior appendage, but can be distinguished by (1) the presence of dentitions on the inner surface of the lateral lobe of the inferior appendage of O. ardis, but lacking in O. sigma, (2) the dark color of the body and presence of wing patterning of O. ardis, both lacking in O. sigma, (3) the shape of X external branch is foot-shaped and pointed distally in O. ardis and is rounded and unpointed in O. sigma.

Distribution

Oligophlebodes ardis has a very localized distribution and is generally confined to the easternmost boundry of the Rocky Mountain range in north-central Colorado near its type locality Berthaud Pass, near Denver.