Distinguishing characters

Oligophlebodes sierra is recognized by the following composite of characters:

Wings: Forewings dusty in appearance at the distal margins.

Male genitalia: Lateral lobe of inferior appendage distally twisted and appearing somewhat toothed at the ends. X external branch generally large and lobe-like (ear-like).

Similar species: Oligophlebodes sierra appears similar to O. minutus in respect to the shape of the lateral lobe of the inferior appendage, but can be distinguished by (1) the shape of X external branch which is large and ear-like in O. sierra, and (2) wing coloration which is dusty colored at the distal portion of the forewings of O. sierra, but not distinctly patterned as in O. minutus.

Distribution

Oligophlebodes sierra is generally confined to the western range of the Oligophlebodes distribution throughout the Sierra Nevada from southern California to Washington, and as far east as Glacier National Park.