GREEN LEUCONYCTA
Leuconycta diphteroides
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Noctuidae)
Description
The Green Leuconycta has a wingspan of about 1.25 inches. The forewing ground color varies from bright green to bluish-green to gray-green and is marked with scalloped black lines. The white ante-median line is edged above and below with black. There are two squarish black patches along the costa. The terminal line and fringe are checkered black. The hindwing is gray with a darker gray border. The caterpillar is elongate and green with a pale white spiracular stripe edged with rosy red above on 2 thoracic segments behind the head and abdominal segment 8. The head is shiny green and unmarked. It grows to about 5/8 inch when mature.
Occurrence
The frequency of occurrence at Fontenelle Forest is unknown, but it is said to be common in the Eastern U.S. It was photographed during the 2014 Bioblitz at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in early June. The adults come to artificial lights.
Comments
The larvae eat the leaves of Goldenrod, Aster and Fleabane. When disturbed, the caterpillar falls to the ground and thrashes around. Adults fly from May to September. The species overwinters as a pupa.
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.
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