Explanation of Names
PHLOGOSARIA: from the Greek "phlogos" (flame) or "phlogistos" (to burn or inflame) or "phlogosis" (inflammation) - a reference to the patches at the anal angle of the forewing and hindwing, which appear to be scorched or inflamed
Identification
adult: two color forms (representing subspecies?) - a darker reddish-brown form and a paler yellowish form; both forms usually have a diagnostic patch at the anal angle of the forewing and hindwing that gives the appearance of being scorched or inflamed
larva: gray with light brown and white speckling, with abdominal and thoracic humps, giving it the appearance of a short twig (U. of Alberta)
Range
all of North America except the far south and the far northwest (Yukon and Alaska)
Habitat
deciduous and mixed woods; adults attracted to artificial light
Season
adults fly from April to August
Food
larvae feed on alder, basswood, birch, black cherry, choke cherry, hazel, willow
Life Cycle
2 generations per year; overwinters as pupa
See Also
P. alcoolaria forewing has extensive speckling (rather than sparse short arcs), a more oblique PM line, and no colored patch at the anal angle.
Compare images of both species.
Internet References
live adult image of light color form (Lynn Scott, Ontario)
pinned adult images of both color forms (CBIF)
pinned adult images of dark color form (James Adams, Dalton State College, Georgia)
pinned adult image of dark color form (G.G. Anweiler, U. of Alberta)
common name reference and other info (Ohio State U.)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 28 March, 2005 - 7:56am
Additional contributions by
cotinisLast updated 31 January, 2006 - 4:55am
