Identification
From "Moths of Eastern North America"
(1):
"Antenna of males serrate. Front wings grayish brown with very little reddish tinting. Lines and spots usually distinct, usually accented with vague blackish markings, such as top of st. line and filling in bottom half of reniform spot. Hind wings grayish brown.
Range
Common to abundant in Eastern U.S., from Southern Canada and the Northern half of the U.S.
Food
Larva (Speckled Green Fruitworm) attack decidious trees and shrubs including: apple, crabapple, cherries, plums, poplar, maple, willow and white birch.
Life Cycle
O. hibisci overwinter in the pupa stage. The adults are among the first moths to emerge in March or April. Larva are full grown by early June where they dig into the soil and pupate. One generation a year.
Larva; larva; pupa; adult
Print References
"Moths of Eastern North America", page 107, plate 22 (4)
(1)
"Garden Insects of North America", page 262-263
(2)Internet References
Washington State University - has photos and detailed life cycle
Moths in a Connecticut Yard - has a great photo of an adult
