This small moth has a wingspan of about .75 inch. A distinctive characteristic of this moth is that the abdomen is held in a curved “C” shape over the thorax when at rest. The long, slender forewing is pointed at the apex. It is light brown with a dark brown arc that begins at the inner margin about one-third the distance from the base and ends in the subterminal area. There is a white-outlined dark brown semi-circular patch along the costa near the apex. the inner margin is concave near the anal angle. The hindwing is grayish-brown. The legs are long with a small “ruffle” of scales near the base of the tibia on the forelegs and midlegs.
The frequency of occurrence of this moth is not known. It has been seen and photographed at Neale Woods in July at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in early September. It’s range is in the southern U.S. and south to Chile. It is now found in Illinois, Michigan, Ontario and Nebraska. Speculation is that they may have been imported into the north on nursery plants.
Another name for this species is Nightshade Leaftier. The larva eats the leaves of plants in the tomato family (Solanaceae) including ground-cherry, eggplant and tomatoes.
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