RUDDY QUAKER
Protorthodes oviduca
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Noctuidae)
Description
The Ruddy Quaker moth has a wingspan of 1 to 1.25 inches. The forewing is reddish-brown. The subterminal area is often chestnut brown. The black obicular and reniform spots are outlined in tan. The slightly wavy subterminal line is pale orange. The area between the postmedian line and the fringe is pale orange or tan and forms a light band in contrast to the rest of the wing. The larva is a smooth, brown cutworm with black dorsal spots and a wavy cream-colored subdorsal stripe. It grows to about one inch.
Occurrence
The frequency of occurrence is not known, but it is probably common. The species has been photographed at Neale Woods and Fontenelle Forest in September 2013. The adult is attracted to artificial lights.
Comments
The host plants are dandelion, grasses, plantain and other low growing plants. The species overwinters as a nearly full grown caterpillar.
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is: Babs Padelford.
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