Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Orthonama obstipata (Fabricius, 1794)
Heppner (2003) listed many of synonyms (due to world-wide range).
(1)Numbers
There are two species of the genus
Orthonama in America north of Mexico.
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(3)Identification
Adult is sexually dimorphic:
Female forewing is dark brown/maroon with a small white ring near the middle of the disc;
Male forewing is light brown/yellowish with a black spot in place of the female's white ring;
Both sexes have oblique blackish dash at apex of forewing (which distinguishes The Gem from the Bent-line Carpet)
female male
Range
Orthonama obstipata occurs in most of North America, and is found worldwide. Populations die out in colder temperate areas over the winter, but these areas are recolonized frequently from warmer areas
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(12) Season
This species flies practically throughout the year
on Block Island, RI, and is common on wing throughout the warm months.
(13)Food
The larvae feed on a variety of herbaceous plants, such as Chrysanthemum, Dock (Rumex), Dandelion, Knotweed (Polygonum), Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea)
Remarks
A strong flier, this species is known to cross long distances of open sea.
Print References
Covell, C., 2005.
Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America. Virginia Museum of Natural History. p. 385, plate 49.
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Powell, J.A. & P.A. Opler, 2009.
Moths of Western North America. University of California Press, plate 33, fig. 4; p. 227.
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