Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
specific epithet sometimes misspelled "opthalmica"
described in 1852 by Guenee, who originally placed it in genus Leptina
Explanation of Names
From Greek ophthalmikos (οφθαλμικος)- "of eyes"
Identification
Tan/white patch on forewing forms a large central patch when wings folded. Large eyespots on forewings.
Range
Eastern North America: Nova Scotia to Florida, east to at least Louisiana and Oklahoma, north to Alberta
Habitat
Deciduous forests; adults are nocturnal and come to light
Season
adults fly from late April to July
Remarks
Said to be a bird-dropping mimic.
Print References
Covell, p. 152, plate 31 #23
(1)Internet References
MIACY live adult image (John Himmelman, Connecticut)
Lynn Scott live adult image (Lynn Scott, Ontario)
pinned adult image and larval foodplant (Gerald Fauske, North Dakota State U.)
presence in Florida; list (John Heppner, Florida State Collection of Arthropods)
distribution in Canada; list of provinces of occurrence (U. of Alberta, using CBIF data)
key to Baileya species; PDF doc (Vernon Brou, courtesy Yale U.)
