Distinguishing characters

Oligophlebodes ruthae is recognized by the following composite of characters:

Wings: Forewings lacking patterning.

Metatarsal interior tibial spur: Expanded proximally, bearing a small projection with a brush of hairs beginning midway along spur.

Male genitalia: Lateral lobe of inferior appendage straight and elongate directed posterad or ventrad distally. X external branch generally rounded.

Similar species: Oligophlebodes ruthae appears similar to O. mostbento in respect to the shape of the lateral lobe of the inferior appendage. The lateral lobe of the inferior appendage of O. ruthae is straight and is directed somewhat venterad. The lateral lobe of the inferior appendage of O. mostbento is sinuous, appearing shorter and bent dorsad in lateral aspect.

Distribution

Oligophlebodes ruthae is distributed primarily northward from southern Idaho and Wyoming to Alberta with scattered populations in northern Nevada and eastern Oregon. This species is distributed as far west as Mt. St. Helens and eastwared through the Bighorn Mountains in central Wyoming.