RUBY QUAKER
Orthosia rubescens
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Noctuidae)
Description
The Ruby Quaker Moth has a wingspan of about 1.50 inches. The forewing colors are variable, but are usually yellowish with reddish-brown shading. The reniform spot has black filling in the inner half. The reddish-brown rectangular mark between the reniform spot and the sub-reniform spot is distinctive and separates it from the Speckled Green Fruitworm Moth. It often has a black subapical spot. The hindwing is pale grayish brown which is darker toward the outer margin. The male has bipectinate antennae. The caterpillar grows to about 1 5/8 inches. The early instars are green. The brown and white last instar is dark above with a broad white spiracular stripe and is pale below.
Occurrence
The adult moth has been photographed at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in mid-April 2015. The caterpillar has been photographed in Fontenelle Forest in early May. It is probably common in this area. The adults are attracted to lights.
Comments
The larvae eat the leaves of many different trees and shrubs including alder, elderberry, gooseberry, green briar, hop hornbeam, maple, oak, and viburnum. This species has one generation a year.
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is: Babs Padelford.
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