Species Abagrotis anchocelioides - Blueberry Budworm Moth - Hodges#11045

11045

Blueberry Budworm (larva)

wingspan about 32-38 mm

Adult: forewing brown with contrasting tan terminal area; orbicular and reniform spots same color as forewing but outlined with pale scales; orbicular spot round, not oval; small patch of black scales where subterminal line meets costa; hindwing dark brownish-gray with contrasting pale fringe

southern Quebec to North Carolina, west to southern Manitoba, North Dakota, and Missouri

adults fly from June to September

"larvae may eat fruit buds [of blueberry]" (State of Connecticut)

The above source also states that larvae develop in weeds under blueberry bushes, so it is not clear whether the larvae actually feed on blueberry. This dlia.org source says larval hosts are unknown.

Abagrotis alternata has pale brown head, more oval orbicular spot, reniform and orbicular spots darker than ground color, and no patch of black scales where subterminal line meets costa (compare images of both species at CBIF)

also compare with several other species at CBIF, and see photos by Jim Vargo at MPG in Internet References link below

Moth Photographers Group (MPG)