Pearly Underwing or Variegated Cutworm Moth - Peridroma saucia - Town of Baileys Harbor, Hidden Corners Sanctuary, Door County, Wisconsin, USA April 26, 2006 Size: Wingspan: 2 in.
Adult female came to night light. Laid eggs the next day. Couldn't make a positive ID. Thought it was a Pinion. Fed Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana). Sent photo to expert on May 7, 2006, who verified ID from photo. The moth is Peridroma saucia. Oops! Guess I gave the larvae the wrong food. They are eating Choke Cherry, so I'll stick with it for now. Switched food plant on May 12, 2006 to Alder, some kept eating Choke Cherry. But I noticed that larvae seemed to be disappearing with no signs of dead bodies. They must have been eating each other. Ultimately, ended up with one larva.
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