DARKER-SPOTTED STRAW MOTH
Heliothis phloxiphaga
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Noctuidae)
Description
This moth has a wingspan of approximately 1.5 inches (38 mm). The forewing is tan with darker brown markings. There is a broad, dark brown bell-shaped median band crossing the forewing which angles sharply inward at the lower end of the large blackish reniform spot. There is a dark triangular patch near the outer end. The hindwing is dirty white or pale buff with a large dark thick discal crescent and a broad black terminal band. The legs are pink.
Occurrence
The frequency of occurrence of this moth is not known at this time. The individual shown in Photo A was photographed in late June on the nature center building at Neale Woods. The individual shown in Photo B was photographed in mid-September at the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center. This moth can be seen coming to lights.
Comments
The larvae eat the flowering parts and seeds of a wide variety of plants including asters, phlox, wild plum, crabapple, elm and yarrow.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Nature Association who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page
is: Babs Padelford.
|
|
