MOONSEED MOTH
Plusiodonta compressipalpis
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Erebidae)
Description
The Moonseed Moth has a wingspan of 1 to 1.25 inches. The forewing is light brown with dark brown, purple and white lines. There are gold loops in the basal and anal areas. The dark brown median shading tapers downward ending in a large scale-tuft projecting from the inner margin. The hindwing is yellowish brown. The caterpillars are bird dropping mimics with dark brown, white and blue-gray coloration.
Occurrence
The frequency of occurrence at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods is not known. The individual shown here was photographed at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in early April. The adults are attracted to artificial lights.
Comments
The larval foodplant is Common Moonseed (Menisperum canadense). The caterpillar perches with the anterior abdominal segments arched. The pupa overwinters.
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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