TWO-SPOTTED HERPETOGRAMMA

The Two-spotted Herpetogramma moth has a wingspan of approximately one inch (23 mm). The abdomen has 2 dark spots on the dorsal side. The forewing is yellowish-brown with 2 conspicuous discal spots. The antemedian line is a shallow s-shaped curve. The postmedian line is irregular with a convex lobe near the midpoint and a deep indentation near the inner margin. The hindwing is similar, but with only 1 discal spot and an irregular median line. The legs are all white. Adults rest with the forewings spread, revealing much of the hindwings.

This moth as been seen once at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in early November 2016. It ranges from New England to Florida, west to Texas, and north to Illinois. It also occurs south to South America. The main flight period is from June to October. Adults are nocturnal and are attracted to lights. The larvae are aquatic.

Another common name is Southern Beet Webworm Moth. The caterpillars are generalist feeders of several plant families including Amaranths, Legumes, Nightshades and others. The larvae may have potential in the biological control of Alligatorweed which chokes waterways in the south

Herpetogramma bipunctalis CRAMBID SNOUT MOTHS (Crambidae)

Herpetogramma bipunctalis
CRAMBID SNOUT MOTHS (Crambidae)