Explanation of Names
Species name grata is Latin for "acceptable". Seems an understatement. (Based on Internet searches.)
Identification
Adult: larger than Pearly Wood-Nymph (E. unio), and the dark band along outer margin of forewing is smoothly curved on the inside, not scalloped as in E. unio, shown below.
Larva: body has thick orange bands with black spots alternating with several thin black and white bands. Orange face and thoracic shield with black spots and orange fleshy prolegs, each with a single black spot on the basal portion (
E.unio is similar but with two offset black spots on the basal portion of each proleg, and a white and black pro-thoracic shield).
(1)Range
Eastern and central North America
Season
adults fly from May to September
Food
Larvae feed on leaves of several shrubs, vines: Ampelopsis, Buttonbush, grape, hops, Virginia Creeper.
Adults do not feed?
Life Cycle
one generation per year in the north; two in the south
See Also
Pearly Wood-Nymph (
Eudryas unio) dark band along outer margin of forewing is scalloped on the inside, not smoothly curved
Pearly Wood-Nymph (Eudryas unio) larvae are similar but with two black spots on each proleg, white and black pro-thoracic shield, and different hostplants.
Eight-spotted Forester (Alypia octomaculata) larvae are similar, but smaller (to 3 cm) and with sparse long setae (hairs).
Internet References
live adult images plus description, host plants, and dates (Lynn Scott, Ontario)
common name reference and other info (Ohio State U.)
