Black-dotted Maliatha

Black-dotted Maliatha

Maliattha synochitis
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Noctuidae)

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The Black-dotted Maliatha is about 3/8″ long and has a wingspan of about 1 inch. The forewing is white with olive green shading. There is a large olive-green patch in the lower median area. The orbicular spot is an oval black spot edged with white. There is a black costal patch at the apex of the wing. The hindwing is white with tan shading. The larva is green with a white dorsal stripe and a plain, shiny green head.

 

The frequency of occurrence at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center and Neale Woods is not known. It has been photographed in early May at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center. Adults fly from May to August.

 

Other common names for this moth are Brass-dotted Grass Moth and Black-dotted Glyph. The larvae feed on smartweed (Polygonum spp.) and also reportedly on grasses.

 

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