BROWN HOODED OWLET
Cucullia convexipennis
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Noctuidae)
Description
The Brown Hooded Owlet has a wingspan of 1.5 to 2 inches. The forewing is light brown with darker reddish brown streaks on the outer parts of the leading and trailing edges. A thoracic crest curls over the head to make a "hood." The caterpillars are striking with bright red, yellow, white and black stripes. The mature caterpillar grows to about 1.75 inches.
Occurrence
The frequency of occurrence of the Brown Hooded Owlet is not known. The adult moth has been photographed at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in mid-April. The adults are nocturnal and are attracted to artificial lights. They fly from spring to fall.
Comments
This moth is also called Brown-bordered Cucullia. The larvae eat the flowers of aster and goldenrod. Cucullia caterpillars are often attacked byTachinid flies that lay white eggs on the outside of the body. The fly larvae will eventually consume the entire caterpillar.
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.
|
|
