SPOTTED PHOSPHILA
Phosphila miselioides
OWLET FAMILY (Noctuidae)
Description
The Spotted Phosphila has a wingspan of about 1.50 inches. The forewings are mottled green and gray. There is a large, squarish white reniform spot which can also be tan to orange. The hindwings are grayish-brown. The caterpillar is green with bright yellow circular spots and grows to about 1.25 inches. Abdominal section 8 is humped. The prepupal larva is dark brown and still retains the yellow spots.
Occurrence
The frequency of occurrence is not known, but the species is considered to be common in the eastern U.S. It has been photographed once at Camp Brewster, Fontenelle Forest, in late August. The adult is attracted to artificial lights.
Comments
This species is the in Cutworm or Dartmoth Subfamily (Noctuinae). The larva eats the leaves of Greenbrier species. It is a new leaf specialist and prefers the tender, new leaves. The species overwinters as a pupa in a cocoon in leaf litter.
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is: Babs Padelford.
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