BENT-WINGED OWLET
Bleptina caradrinalis
OWLET MOTHS (Erebidae)
Description
The Bent-winged Owlet has a wingspan of about 1.25 inches. The forewing is pale brown to violet-gray with indistinct, jagged antemedian and postmedian lines. The slightly wavy subterminal line is yellowish and conspicuous on darker individuals. The reniform spot is either black or orange. The male's forewing is concave along the costal edge (photo A). The hindwings are light brown with darker lines and markings. The brown larvae are stout and short with short button-like setae. It grows to .75 inch.
Occurrence
The Bent-winged Owlet is considered common in North America. Thefrequency of ocurrence in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods is not known. It has been photographed at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in early June 2013. Adults come to artificial lights.
Comments
The larvae feed on dead leaves. This moth is in the Litter Moth Subfamily, Herminiinae. Litter Moths are among the most numerous owlets. The adults have an array of scent-dispersing organs that are used during courtship and mating.
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is: Babs Padelford.
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