CONFUSED WOODGRAIN
Morrisonia confusa
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Noctuidae)
Description
The Confused Woodgrain has a wingspan of 1.75 inches. The thorax is light brown with dark brown stripes. The forewing is brown with dark brown veins and shading, which creates a woodgrain appearance. The jagged postmedial line is edged with white at the inner margin. The caterpillar grows to about 1 5/8 inches. Middle and early instars are green with conspicuous maroon spots. The last instar is pale cream to reddish or orange-brown with many tiny white dots.
Occurrence
The Confused Woodgrain moth has been photographed once at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in late April 2015. This is considered to be a common moth in its range with adults flying from April to June.
Comments
The caterpillar is a generalist feeder on many deciduous trees and woody plants including ash, birch, elm, cherry, maple and oak. The last instar of the larva is extended and lasts 3 or 4 months into the fall.
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is: Babs Padelford.
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