Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Egira alternans (Walker, 1857)
Synonyms:
Hapalia alternans ( Walker, 1857)
Xylomiges tabulata (Grote, 1878)
Explanation of Names
Common and scientific names derived from the alternate light and dark bands around the adult’s abdomen.
(1)
Identification
Adult: FW pale gray, shaded reddish-brown in basal and median areas. Often has thick, black bar in inner median area. Large, whitish orbicular spot is fused to pale band that extends to the inner margin. Reddish-brown reniform spot is outlined with white.
(2)
Larva: Orange-brown head, usually with darker reticulations and coronal bars than
Orthosia revicta.
(1) Range
Moth Photographers Group - distribution & flight-period chart
BugGuide - distribution & flight-period chart
Habitat
Abounds in the coastal woodland of North Carolina and New Jersey, especially those with an abundance of heaths.
(1)Season
Flight season is brief, lasting just three weeks in most years.
(1)Food
Adult: Visit flowers, Chickasaw Plum is a favorite in New Jersey. They do not come to bait
(1)
Larva:
Quercus nigra (Water Oak)
a Life Cycle
Pupa overwinter in the ground
(1)Internet References
Moth Photographers Group – images of live & pinned adults; images of larva
BOLD Systems - images of pinned DNA supported specimens
Tulane University – info & images of larva
Noctuidae of North America – image of pinned adult and synonyms