CURVE-LINED OWLET
Phyprosopus callitrichoides
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Erebidae)
Description
The Curve-lined Owlet is 3/4 inch long. The forewing is brown to reddish-brown with a kinked Antemedial Line. The Postmedial Line is edged with white and gently curves across the forewing from the apex to the inner margin. The hindwing is plain, pale brown. The pointed snout is downturned and shrew-like in appearance. The caterpillar is generally described as ”fantastically bizarre” for its twisted body and dangling appendages. The body is usually red with white markings. It grows to about 1 inch long. There is a 1.25 inch long tentacle-like appendage that extends up from the 3rd abdominal segment. The head and body are densely covered with fine hairs. The prolegs are missing from the 3rd and 4th abdominal segments.
Occurrence
The adult Curve-lined Owlet moth has been seen and photographed once at Neale Woods in early May 2007. It is considered to be uncommon in its range.
Comments
The larval host is Greenbrier (Smilaceae). The species overwinters as a pupa.
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