DARK-SPOTTED PALTHIS
Palthis angulalis
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Erebidae)
Description
The Dark-spotted Palthis has a wingspan of approximately 1 inch. It has a shape like a fighter plane when at rest. The forewing is tan with a reddish-brown median line that does not reach the costa. The reniform spot is blackish-brown. There is a dull orange patch at the wing tip. It has very large tufted labial palps (not visible in photo shown here) which is characteristic of moths in the genus Palthis. The labial palps have a sensory function. The caterpillar is small and brown with a low hump over the 1st abdominal segment and a large hump over segment 8. When mature it is about an inch long. This moth was identified by Jim Durbin of the Isects of Iowa website.
Occurrence
The frequency of occurrence of the Dark-spotted Plathis is not known in Fontenelle Forest or Neale Woods. The individual shown here was photographed in late July.
Comments
The larval diet consists of a diverse mix of forbs, woody shrubs and trees including aster, basswood, goldenrod and ninebark. The larvae eat both live and dead organic matter including leaves, flowers and fruit.
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.
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