GOLD MOTH
Basilodes pepita
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Noctuidae)
Description
The Gold Moth has a wingspan of 1.50 to 1.75 inches. The forewing is metallic gold with strongly angled fine brown antemedial and postmedial lines. The reniform spot has a tiny black dot in the upper center. The hindwing is plain grayish-brown. The larva is distinctively patterned in yellow-orange, black and white. It is crossed by alternating pale and black rings. The white band on the sides consists of distinct white spots. The head is pale orange.
Occurrence
The frequency of occurrence of the Gold Moth is not known. The adult has been photographed once at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in late August 2014. The flight period is from July to October. The larva has been photographed at Fontenelle Forest in late September 2014. Mature caterpillars can be seen from August to October.
Comments
The host plants are Wingstem and Crown-beard (Verbesina sp.). The species overwinters as a pupa.
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is: Babs Padelford.
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