Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
described in 1881 by Grote, who originally placed it in genus Choreutis
Identification
Adult: forewing brown in basal third and in terminal area; prominent "swatch" of color in distal third of wing composed of small black, white, and brown bands; subterminal line white, curving basally before reaching costa; remainder of wing covered with whitish spots and several white scale patches; hindwing brownish-gray with thick dark terminal line and long dark fringe
Range
Midwest United States (MI, WI, IL, IA, MO)
(1)
BugGuide adds KY and AR
Habitat
prairies and meadows containing the larval foodplant (rosinweed)
Season
larvae present in May and June
Food
larvae skeletonize the leaves of
Wholeleaf Rosinweed (Silphium integrifolium)
Life Cycle
two generations per year: early and late May
See Also
Tebenna gemmalis occurs along the west coast, and its forewing lacks a white subterminal line, lacks a brown terminal area, and has few or no white scale patches
Internet References
live images of all life stages plus larval foodplants and seasonality (Terry Harrison, Illinois, microleps.org)
live images of all life stage plus foodplants, biology, common name reference (Rich Henderson, Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 18 January, 2008 - 10:02pm
Additional contributions by
ceiseman,
BlockyLast updated 30 January, 2023 - 10:35pm