Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
formerly Cuerna lateralis and still listed as such on several web sites
Identification
black and red with longitudinal stripes on forewing; a conspicuous white strip runs from the eye along the side of the abdomen; tip of abdomen has red spot (a distinguishing feature)
Range
most common in southeastern US; known range includes AL AR FL GA IN IA KS LA MD MS MO NE NM NY NC OH OK SC TN TX VA WV
Food
nymphs and adults feed mostly on grasses
Life Cycle
normally two generations per year; overwinters as an adult under matted grass in fields
Remarks
Although
this U. of Arkansas site says the range of
C. costalis includes southern Ontario, the species name is not on Ontario's
NHIC site, and is not listed by the
US Dept. of Agriculture as occurring anywhere in Canada.
See Also
C. striata is virtually identical except for the lack of red on the tip of the abdomen, and it has a more northern distribution (northern US and Canada)
Internet References
live adult image showing the red at the tip of the abdomen (U. of Florida)
live adult image (Charles Lewallen, Oklahoma)
live adult image (Susan Ellis, Alabama)
distribution and synonyms of
Cuerna species (Systematic Entomology Laboratory, US Dept. Agriculture)
video of live nymph anointing itself with liquid secretion (U. of Illinois)
