Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
First described in 1852 by
Achille Guenée as
Microcoelia diphteroides.
Explanation of Names
Diphtera is an obsolete name for the genus Moma. Guenée had the entry for that genus right after the original description of this species, and mentioned "Orion" (no doubt Diphtera/Moma orion) in that description. "diphteroides" therefore probably means "resembling Diphtera"
Identification
Adult: forewing suffused with green (shade may vary from bright green to bluish-green to grayish-green) or rarely all-white; small black rectangular blotch touches costa near base, and another larger blotch half-way along costa, extending inward almost half the wing's width; one form has a number of black lines and spots scattered across the wing surface, whereas the form "obliterata" is relatively unmarked (see Lynn Scott's examples in links below); hindwing pale grayish with dull yellowish terminal band
Range
Eastern North America: Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Texas, north to Saskatchewan
Habitat
fields, open places; adults are nocturnal and come to light
Season
Mainly univoltine with a partial second generation
on Block Island, RI, with adult records from early May through early August.
(2)Food
larvae feed on goldenrod and aster species
Print References
Covell, p. 148 & plate 26 #19
(1)Internet References
Moth Photographers Group - species page with photographs of living and pinned adults.
adult images (Larry Line, Maryland)
pinned adult image and other info (Gerald Fauske, Moths of North Dakota)
pinned adult image (James Adams, Dalton State College, Georgia)
