EYED PAECTES
(Paectes oculatrix
EUTELIID MOTH FAMILY (Euteliidae)
The Eyed Paectes moth has a wingspan of about 1 inch. The forewing is grayish-brown with a straw-colored basal patch. The curved, black postmedial line outlines a large eye-like pattern in the subterminal area. The hindwing is dark to light gray-brown. The caterpillar is green with many creamy spots. It is somewhat spindle-shaped. The large head is partly withdrawn into the first thoracic segment. The larva grows to 1 inch.
The frequency of occurrence in this area is not known. An adult was photographed at Neale Woods in early June 2016 coming to lights. Adults fly from May to August. The species ranges north to Maine and Wisconsin south to Texas and Florida.
The larvae feed on Poison Ivy leaves. They feed and rest on the undersides of leaves. There are 2 broods. Eyed Paectes is in the largely tropical sub-family, Euteliines. There are 12 species in North America.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Babs Padelford.