Distinct Quaker
Achatia distincta
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Noctuidae)
The Distinct Quaker Moth has a wingspan of 1.5 inches. The forewing is gray marked with large dark brown blotches in the median area. There are black dashes in the subterminal area. The hindwing is grayish-brown becoming darker at the outer margin. The caterpillar is green with tiny white speckles. Only the subdorsal stripe is well developed. The mid dorsal, spiracular and sub-spiracular stripes are thin and broken. The head is shiny, sea green, with one thin, white line thru the eye. The caterpillar grows to 1.5 inches long.
The frequency of occurrence in this area is not known. Two individuals have been photographed in Fontenelle Forest in late April and early May. The adults fly from late March to early May. There is one generation a year.
The larva feeds on the leaves of deciduous trees and woody plants including ash, birch, grape, maple, oak and walnut. They feed mostly at night on new leaves. The species overwinters as a pupa.
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