BLACK BIT MOTH
Celiptera frustulum
OWLET MOTHS (Erebidae)
Description
The Black Bit Moth has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. The forewing is grayish-brown with a double postmedian line that is edged with pale orange. The large subreniform and reniform spots touch. There are 2 black triangles (“black bits”) at the base of the wings. The hindwing is grayish-brown with lines at the inner margin. The caterpillar is brown with brown lateral stripes. There are pale lateral patches on the abdomen. The head is pale tan with 2 thick black stripes on top. It grows to 1.5 inches.
Occurrence
The frequency of occurrence at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods is not known. An adult was photographed at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in early September 2015. Adults fly from May to September. There are 2 broods.
Comments
The hostplant is undetermined, but may be Locust, as many of the Black Bit caterpillars have been found around Locust trees.
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is: Babs Padelford.
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