This moth has a wingspan approximately .75 to one inch. The wing color varies from rose to deep purple with pale yellow fringes. The forewings have narrow whitish and black antemedian and postmedian lines. The forewing costa is marked with large, triangular-shaped patches. The Clover Hayworm Moth (Hypsopygia costalis) is similar, but it is smaller with a wider fringe and the marks at the edge of the wings are not triangular.
The Yellow-fringed Dolichomia is common in this area. It has been photographed at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in June, July and September. The adults fly from May through September and are attracted to artificial lights.
The larval host plants are oaks. The scientific name has recently been changed from Dolichomia olinalis to Hypsopygia olinalis. This was formerly called Herculia olinalis.
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.