SPECKLED GREEN FRUITWORM MOTH
Orthosia hibisci
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Noctuidae)
Description
The Speckled Green Fruitworm Moth has a wingspan of 1 3/8 to 1 5/8 inches. The forewing is variable light brown or light gray with brown highlights. The white outlined reniform spot has a dark spot in the inner half. The whitish subterminal line is edged in brown forming a dark subapical patch. The hindwing is grayish brown.
The larva is green or blue-green and grows to about 1.50 inches. It has continuous white middorsal and spiracular stripes and many small, white speckles over the body.
Occurrence
This moth is probably common in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. It was first photographed at Fontenelle Forest in early April 2013. It flies early in spring in March and April. The adults are nocturnal and are attracted to artificial lights.
Comments
The larvae eat the leaves of many trees and woody plants including apple, chokecherry, elm, hickory and willow. In boom years they reportedly can be found on almost any plant. The larva is fully grown by June when it digs into the soil and pupates. This species overwinters in the pupal stage.
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is: Babs Padelford.
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