Brown Hooded Owlet
Cucullia convexipennis
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Noctuidae)
The Brown Hooded Owlet has a wingspan of 1.5 to 2 inches. The forewing is light brown with darker reddish brown streaks on the outer parts of the leading and trailing edges. A thoracic crest curls over the head to make a “hood.” The caterpillars are striking with bright red, yellow, white and black stripes. The mature caterpillar grows to about 1.75 inches.
The frequency of occurrence of the Brown Hooded Owlet is not known. The adult moth has been photographed at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in mid-April. The adults are nocturnal and are attracted to artificial lights. They fly from spring to fall.
This moth is also called Brown-bordered Cucullia. The larvae eat the flowers of aster and goldenrod. Cucullia caterpillars are often attacked by Tachinid flies that lay white eggs on the outside of the body. The fly larvae will eventually consume the entire caterpillar.
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