SHARP-STIGMA LOOPER MOTH
Ctenoplusia oxygramma
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Noctuidae)
Description
The Sharp-stigma Looper Moth is slightly less than an inch long (19-22 mm). The forewing is dark chocolate brown with minute golden scales. A black median patch has an oblique silver-edged tan stigma. It has a brown crest of scales on the thorax and 2 smaller tufts on the abdomen. The hind wings are light brown with dark veins. The legs are striped black and white. The caterpillars are green with a prominent white spiracular stripe. The body is peppered with tiny white dots. It grows to about 1.5 inches.
Occurrence
This moth is a rare fall emigrant from the southern U.S. It also occurs south to Brazil and northern Argentina. The individuasl shown here were photographed at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in mid-August 2015 and late September 2014. The adults are attracted to lights.
Comments
The larvae eat the leaves of aster, goldenrod, horse weed and tobacco. In the south many adults have been seen with yellow orchid pollinaria on their eyes which may indicate that this moth is an important pollinator for orchids.
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is: Babs Padelford.
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