FLORIDA FERN MOTH

FLORIDA FERN MOTH

Callopistria floridensis
OWLET MOTHS (Noctuidae)

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The Florida Fern Moth is about 5/8 inch long (16 mm) and has a wingspan of 1 1/8 inches (29 mm). The forewing is brown with light bands and markings. The costa is marked with dark brown subapical and median patches. The caterpillars are green or brown with black bands.

 

This uncommon moth occurs in eastern North America. Nebraska is on the western edge of its range. It occurs throughout the Caribbean into South America. It has been photographed in Fontenelle Forest once in August 2021.

 

Caterpillars feed on various ferns. Eggs are laid singly on the underside of young fern leaves and fiddleheads. These woodland moths are nocturnal and will come to lights.

 

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