Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
formerly Nola sorghiella
specific epithet misspelled "cereela" on some web sites
Identification
Adult: forewing white with vague yellowish to brownish shading along costa and outer margin; PM and ST lines curved, close together; orbicular spot dark; black shading beyond lower ST line; 4 or 5 tufts of scales along the costa are very prominent in some individuals but inconspicuous or lacking in other individuals
[adapted from description by Charles Covell]
Larva: greenish-yellow to tan with four darker red or brown stripes down the back and covered with closely-spaced hairs and spines
Range
southeastern United States: Texas to Florida, north to New York
Habitat
grassy fields, sorghum plantations
Season
adults emerge in late spring
Food
larvae feed on sorghum seed heads
Life Cycle
overwinters as a larva in plant debris
Internet References
pinned adult images (Larry Line, Maryland)
pinned adult image (John Snyder, Furman U., South Carolina)
pinned adult image by Jim Vargo, and comparison photos of similar species (Moth Photographers Group)
live larva image and other info (U. of Arkansas)
live larva image and other info (Texas A&M U.)
distribution (Dalton State College, Georgia)
