Other Common Names
sometimes referred to as Similar Black Noctuid
Numbers
uncommon to rare, according to Charles Covell
Identification
forewing dark blackish-brown with black lines and spots faint or inconspicuous; subterminal line a series of whitish dots, broadening to form a wavy white mark at anal angle
hindwing shiny yellowish-white with blackish veins, discal spot, and double border [description by Charles Covell]
Larva either green or brown with broad yellow stripes. Subdorsal stripe edged with white and black; spiracular stripe with reduced black edging below. Spiracles white, ringed in black. Head green or brown with short yellow line through uppermost eyes.
(1)Range
British Columbia to Nova Scotis, south to Virginia, west to Minnesota
Season
adults fly from June to August
Food
larvae feed on bracken, sweetfern, goldenrod, st. johnswort, alder, ash, birch, willow. Wagner lists also aster, goldenrod, mullein, raspberry, and tamarack and concludes "primarily a generalist on low-growing plants."
See Also
Melanchra pulverulenta is similar but has a more mottled forewing with more conspicuous white marking in the subterminal area (
compare images of both species)
Internet References
live adult image [#5 on the page] (Steve Walter, Connecticut)
pinned adult image (John Glaser, Maryland)
US distribution map (Moths of North America; USGS)
