Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Hadena paginata (Morrison, 1875)
described in 1852 by Guenee, who originally placed it in genus Monodes
Size
wingspan about 21 mm, based on photo by Jim Vargo at MPG
Identification
Adult: forewing medium brown with small round blackish reniform spot (sometimes indistinct) and diffuse dark blotch in center of median area; median area may or may not contain slightly darker patch shaped somewhat like a shark's dorsal fin; dark diagonal dash runs from PM line to apex; small white or pale gray patch often present at wing base along inner margin (creating an obvious pale spot when moth is at rest with wings closed); hindwing mostly white
Range
southeastern United States (Florida to North Carolina, west to Texas) south to Peru
Season
adults fly from June to November in Georgia; may be present year-round in Florida and the tropics
Food
larvae feed on various plants and are sometimes reported on sugarcane
See Also
Elaphria deltoides forewing shows more contrast, dark median patch has more convex anterior margin, and hindwing is pale yellowish with brown shading
Internet References
live adult image by Darryl Searcy (Dalton State College, Georgia)
pinned adult image plus larval foodplants, distribution, and other info (Pierre Zagatti, Lepidoptera of the French Antilles)
16 pinned adult images and collection site map showing presence in Florida (All-Leps)
live adult images by Randy Newman, plus dates (North Carolina Parks System)
presence in Texas; list (James Gillaspy, U. of Texas)
world distribution map plus synonyms, references, links to images (Markku Savela, FUNET)
synonym (Michigan State U.)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 8 January, 2008 - 9:41pm
Additional contributions by
Steve MorrisLast updated 3 November, 2023 - 11:43am
