Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
described in 1913 by Brants, who originally placed it in genus Gracilaria
Identification
Adult: forewing purplish-brown except for cream-colored or light yellowish strip along costa; dark oval spot often present near center of wing
Range
most of United States: Florida to New York, west to Oregon
native to Japan but accidentally introduced to many parts of the world, including other parts of Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, and Africa
Habitat
on or near azalea/rhododendron plants; adults are nocturnal and come to light
Season
active year-round in Florida; adults fly from May to October farther north
Food
larvae feed exclusively on leaves of
azalea (
Rhododendron spp.); young larva mine the underside of the leaf, and older larvae chew holes in the upper surface
Life Cycle
several generations per year in Florida, three generations in Oregon, and two in New York; overwinters as a last-instar larva or pupa in the north
Internet References
detailed species account including photos of all life stages, common name reference, description, distribution, biology, pest damage and control, literature references (G.W. Dekle, "Featured Creatures" at U. of Florida)
pinned adult image plus larva diagram, foodplants, global distribution (Don Herbison-Evans and Stella Crossley, U. of Technology, Sydney, Australia)
pinned adult image and collection site map showing presence in Maryland (All-Leps)
live adult images by various photographers (Moth Photographers Group)
live adult image by Ben Smart, plus description, larval foodplant, flight season (Ian Kimber, UK Moths)
live adult images and photos of leaf damage by larvae (Jeff Higgott, UK Lepidoptera)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 13 April, 2009 - 7:30am
Additional contributions by
Ron M.Last updated 29 December, 2011 - 1:00am
