The Laugher
Charadra deridens
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Noctuidae)
The Laugher has a wingspan of approximately 1 1/2 to 1 7/8 inches. The forewings are mottled gray and dark gray. The pm line is jagged and black. The orbicular spot is white-filled with a black spot in the center. The hindwing is light brown with black spots on the outer margin. The caterpillar is pale to green to smoky with long, white fluffy hairs. The head is shiny black with a yellow triangle flanked by 2 yellow crescents. It grows to 1.5 inches long.
The frequency of occurrence is not known at Fontenelle Forest or Neale Woods. The individual shown here was photographed in early June at Fontenelle Forest.
The larval host plants include oak, elm and maple. It feeds on old summer foliage that is too tough for many other caterpillars. It overwinters as a pupa.