This is a rarely collected Noctuid moth of springtime forests. It is medium sized (FW length 16-17mm) with a prominently fused orbicular and reniform spot which is filled with white. The ground color is a deep, warm brown with a pinkish cast, the antemedial and postmedial lines are wavy and black, and the area outside of the median is lighter than the ground color. The only moth it is likely to be confused with is Cerastis enigmatica, but that species is smaller, has darker filling of the fused orbicular/reniform spot, and lacks the pink cast of Cerastis gloriosa.
Nothing is known yet about the larval hosts of this species, but they are probably deciduous shrubs, possibly in Rosaceae. It is known primarily from coastal forests, and is very uncommon in low elevation forests on the west slope of the Cascades. The one shown here is the first and only record from inland Washington state. These moths fly in late March and April.
Size- FW length 16-17mm
Habitat- Damp forests
Range- Along the coast of Oregon and Washington, and sporadically on the west slope of the Cascades from s Washington to s Oregon
Eats- Larval host unknown
Flight Season- Late March and April
