Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Neoterpes edwardsata (Packard, 1871)
Heterolocha edwardsata Packard, 1871
Phylogenetic sequence # 201975
Numbers
One of four species in this genus.
Size
Forewing length 17-20 mm.
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Identification
Larva - vary from light green with faint longitudinal lines to yellow tan with light brown, light tan, and grey brown stripes and bands. Spiracles are black with narrow yellow lines, and legs are almost white basally. Last instars extremely variable and similar to
N. ephelidaria (1)
Pupa - pupation is on the ground or slightly underground in silk webbing that has debris and soil particles intermixed. Pupa is covered with a whitish powdery bloom.
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Range
California to Colorado and Arizona.
(3),
(1)Season
Adults fly February though December.
(1)Food
Larval host in native habitats is
California poppy (
Eschscholzia californica) and in suburban yards often
tree poppy (
Dendromecon rigida) and
Coulter's Matilija poppy (
Romneya coulteri).
Print References
Comstock, J.A. 1955. Early stages of
Neoterpes edwardsata Pack. Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Sciences 54(1): 33.
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Comstock, J.A. 1964. Additional notes on the life history of
Neoterpes edwardsata (Geometridae). Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society 18(1):
32-34 (2)
Packard, A.S. 1871. Catalog of the Phalaenidae of California. Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History 13:
383
Powell, J.A. & P.A. Opler 2009. Moths of Western North America. pl.30.5f, 30.6m, p.216
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