TEXAS MOCIS
Mocis texana
OWLET MOTHS (Erebidae)
Description
The Texas Mocis moth has a wingspan of approximately one inch. The forewing is brown with reddish brown antemedial and postmedial lines. The subterminal line consists of black dots. It is similar to Small Mocis (M. latipes) but it is slightly larger and lacks a subreniform spot. The caterpillar is gray to yellow-brown to reddish-brown with fine lines that run the length of the body and onto the head. The mature larva has 2 black subdorsal spots that are usually concealed, but are flashed when the caterpillar is disturbed. The caterpillar grows to about 2.5 inches. ("Owlet Caterpillars of Eastern North America," Wagner, Schweitzer, Sullivan & Reardon.)
Occurrence
The frequency of occurrence in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods is not known. It has been photographed once at Camp Brewster, Fontenelle Forest in late September 2011.
Comments
The caterpillars eat various grasses including Crabgrass.
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is: Babs Padelford.
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