DOGBANE SAUCROBOTYS
Saucrobotys futilalis
CRAMBID SNOUT MOTH FAMILY (Crambidae)
The Dogbane Saucrobotys has a total length of approximately 1/2 to 5/8 inch. The forewing is powdery tan to light orange obscurely patterned with a faint paler orange color. The hindwing is grayish-white with a light tan terminal band extending from the apex to mid-wing. The caterpillar is usually orange with small black buttons and a shiny black head. It grows to about 3/4 Inch. The early instars feed communally in a web on leaves of the host plant.
The frequency of occurrence in this area is not known. It has been photographed once at Fontenelle Forest in late July 2016. Adults fly mostly from June to August. It ranges from the Northeast to British Columbia south to Florida and California.
The larvae eat the leaves of dogbane including Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum) and milkweeds, (Asclepias).
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