Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
formerly Trichotaphe bilobella
Size
wingspan about 15 mm, based on photo by Jim Vargo at MPG
larva length to about 17 mm
Identification
Adult: forewing dark gray to blackish with large pale brownish-yellow patch extending from base along costa, then crossing wing to inner margin in PM area; dark basal coloring along inner margin is constricted in AM area, then expands to form two rounded lobes in median area; reniform spot black, shaped like a bow-tie; PM line brownish-yellow, usually noticeable; subterminal line composed of several pale dots; hindwing pale gray with wide fringe
Range
eastern United States and southeastern Canada; Internet records from Arkansas, Kansas, and Ontario
Habitat
fields and open forests containing goldenrod
Season
adults fly in July and August
larvae present from spring to July
Food
larvae feed on leaves of goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Life Cycle
eggs are laid on hostplant in summer but do not hatch until the following spring; young larvae spin a silken web on leaves of host; older larvae pinch or fold leaves together to form a retreat; one generation per year; overwinters as an egg
See Also
Shining Dichomeris (
D. ochripalpella) forewing has metallic silvery patch instead of a cream-colored one, and a sharp "tooth" that projects toward inner margin in AM area (
compare images of both species and other related species by Jim Vargo at MPG)
Internet References
live adult image by David Bree, plus common name reference and photos of related species by various photographers (Moth Photographers Group)
pinned adult image and photos of related species by Jim Vargo (Moth Photographers Group)
biology and habitat (Carol Loeffler,
Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society, 1996, Yale U.)
larval foodplant; PDF doc (Carol Loeffler,
Journal of Research on the Lepidoptera, 1993, Harvard U.)
presence in Arkansas and Kansas localities of specimens in collection (Mississippi Entomological Museum)
presence in Ontario; list as
Trichotaphe bilobella (NHIC; Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 1 August, 2006 - 7:19am
Last updated 1 August, 2006 - 5:22pm
