PALE BAILEYA
Baileya levitans
NOLID MOTHS (Nolidae)
The Pale Baileya moth has a wingspan of 1 to 1.5 inches. The forewing is light gray with a grayish-white median area. The reniform spot is outlined black and has a black center forming an “eyespot.” The antemedial and postmedian lines are double. The antemedial line has a projecting tooth midway pointing toward the median area. The PM line has a smoothly rounded hump and a “u” shape under the “eye.” The hindwing is plain pale gray.
This species is uncommon in this area. It has been photographed once at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in late July 2015. Adults fly from April to August.
The larval foodplants are not known, but have eaten walnut and hickory leaves in captivity. The species overwinters in the larval state. All members of the genus Baileya overwinter in an elongate cocoon infused with chewed leaf fragments (“Caterpillars of Eastern North America,” David L. Wagner).
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.