OREGON CYCNIA

OREGON CYCNIA

Cycnia oregonensis
TIGER & LICHEN MOTH FAMILY (Erebidae)

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The Oregon Cycnia has a wingspan of approximately 1.25 to 1.5 inches. The forewing and hindwing are a creamy white and unmarked. The pure white veins on the forewings stand out against the off-white background color. This is more noticeable in fresher individuals. The top of the head is yellow. The abdomen is bright yellow with rows of black spots. There is no gold costal border on the forewing as on the similar Delicate Cycnia. The larva has fuzzy, pearl gray hairs of the same length except at both ends where they are longer.

 

The frequency of occurrence of the Oregon Cycnia in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods is not known. The individual shown here was photographed at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in early July. The moths are attracted to lights.

 

The larva eats the leaves of Dogbane spp. (Apocynum).

 

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