Size
Winspan 25-45 mm, female larger
Identification
Similar to
H. unipunctata (
One-spotted Variant), but wings evenly violet-gray, not mottled. Beyond postmedian line they are reddish brown. Melanic individuals are a chocolate brown.
Range
Massachusetts to Florida, west to Texas, north to Ohio (not yet recorded from Canada, as of January 2006)
Habitat
Presumably in or near pine forests
Season
adults fly May-October; July and August in Ohio
Food
Larvae feed on leaves of pines
See Also
H. unipunctata (
One-spotted Variant) usually has lighter yellowish-tan to orangish wings, mottled with white, brown, and blackish
Distinction between the two by external appearances not always reliable. See
Bob Belmont's Variant Page at MPG.
Internet References
Maryland Moths adult images (Larry Line, Maryland)
live adult images (Moth Photographers Group)
pinned adult images (Moth Photographers Group)
common name reference plus food plants and flight season (Ohio State U.)
