PINK-SHADED FERN MOTH

PINK-SHADED FERN MOTH

Callopistria mollissima
OWLET MOTHS (Noctuidae)

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The Pink-shaded Fern Moth is 1/2 inch long. The forewing has pink bands along the slightly jagged ante-median and post-median lines. The orbicular and reniform spots are partly outlined in white. The hindwing is light brown and unmarked. The middle legs have tufts of hairlike scales. The caterpillar is emerald green or reddish with white, oblique spots above each abdominal spiracle. The head has 2 pairs of black lines. The larva grows to less than 1 inch.

 

The frequency of occurrence in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods is not known. It has been seen and photographed once in Fontenelle Forest in early June 2017. Adults fly mainly from May to August. It ranges throughout most of the eastern U.S. and Canada.

 

The larvae eat the leaves of ferns. It is not known which fern genus is used in different areas, but it is known that many ferns are unsuitable for larval development. (Owlet Caterpillars of Eastern North America, David L. Wagner, et. al.).

 

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