Identification
rests with wings rolled around body in shape of cylinder; basal third is dark brown or black, middle third is off-white, distal third is light bluish-gray; series of short diagonal stripes along outer third of costa, more pronounced toward apex [adapted from description by Lynn Scott]
Habitat
fields, meadows, roadsides, waste places
Season
adults fly in May and June
Food
larvae feed on goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Remarks
The larvae of this species have been studied for their cold-hardiness. As the temperature drops to 5 degrees Celsius and below, larvae produce glycerol to protect themselves from freezing (see Abstract
here).
Internet References
live adult images plus description, larval host plants, and flight season (Lynn Scott, Ontario)
adult images and host plant (Larry Line, Maryland)
Carleton University Some information on life cycle, cold hardiness.
