Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Haematopis grataria – (Fabricius, 1798)
described in 1798 by Fabricius, who originally placed it in genus Phalaena
Explanation of Names
HAEMATOPIS: from the Greek "haima/haimatinos" (blood/of blood); presumably refers to the pink color on the wings, which in some specimens can be as red as blood
Numbers
the only species in this genus in North America
Identification
Adult: forewing dull yellow with two pink bands crossing outer half of wing, and pink discal spot in median area
Males (below, left) have strikingly
plumose (featherlike) antennae. Females (below, right) have
filiform (threadlike) antennae
Range
throughout United States; in Canada from Quebec to Alberta (absent from both coasts), north to Northwest Territories
Habitat
fields, meadows, lawns, gardens; adults often fly during the day
Season
peak flight time is August but adults may be seen from May through October
Food
larvae feed on chickweed (Stellaria spp.), smartweed/knotweed (Polygonum spp.), clover, and other low plants
Life Cycle
Eggs, larva, pupa, adult female:
See Also
no other moth is usually confused with this species
Print References
Powell, J. A. & P. A. Opler, Moths of Western North America,
p. 222, pl. 31.31f(1)
Covell, p. 377 & plate 46 #21
(2)Internet References
Moth Photographers Group - photos of living and pinned adults.
live adult images (Larry Line, Maryland)
