Hitched Arches

Hitched Arches

Melanchra adjuncta
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Noctuidae)

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The Hitched Arches moth has a wingspan of approximately 1.25 to 1.5 inches. The forewing is dark gray with a white orbicular spot, a large white reniform spot and a wavy white terminal line. The legs are black with white spots. The hindwing is gray and is darker at the outer margin. The larva has 2 forms, light green or light brown. Both have darker diagonal markings dorsally and a thin whitish dorsal line. The head is darker with 3 white dorsal lines.

 

This moth is fairly common at Fontenelle Forest. It has been photographed at the Nature Center in August, September and October.

 

Hitched Arches is in the Darts and Cutworms sub-family, Noctuinae. The larval food plants are leaves of herbaceous plants (including alfalfa, clover, dandelion, goldenrod, plantain and trefoil) and woody plants (including elm, gooseberry, willow and honeysuckle).

 

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