The Common Tan Wave moth has a wingspan of approximately .75 inch. The wings are tan to brown with many pale cream-colored, wavy lines and spots. Distinguishing marks are small black dots in the subterminal line. The caterpillar is tan with a dark brown wave-like pattern along the abdomen. This moth was identified by volunteer experts at the BugGuide website.
The frequency of occurrence is not known, however, it is probably a common moth. The individual shown here was photographed at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in late August. It has also been photographed at Neale Woods in mid-September. It is nocturnal and is attracted to lights.
The larval foods are bittersweet, bedstraw, goldenrod, oak, willow and other plants. There are two species in the genus Pleuroprucha in North America.
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