DOUBLE-LINED PROMINENT

DOUBLE-LINED PROMINENT

Lochmaeus bilineata
PROMINENT MOTH FAMILY (Notodontidae)

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The Double-lined Prominent has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches. The forewing is gray to brownish-gray with a dark triangle in the median area. The Antemedian and Postmedian lines are double and irregularly scalloped. The hindwing is plain gray. The similar Variable Oakleaf Moth (L. manteo) does not have double AM and PM lines and they are more scalloped. The caterpillar is highly variable in color and pattern, but is usually green with varying amounts of red in a “saddle” dorsally. There is a prominent white subdorsal stripe. There is a pair of raised warts on the 1st and 8th abdominal segments. The mature larva is about 1.5 inches long.

 

The frequency of occurrence is not known in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. It has been photographed in early to mid-June at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center. The adults are attracted to artificial lights.

 

The preferred larval foodplants are elm and basswood. This species winters in the pre pupa stage.

 

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