Rank Species | Subphylum Hexapoda Order Butterflies and moths | |
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Similar Herpetogramma aeglealis, Herpetogramma, Herpetogramma pertextalis, Herpetogramma theseusalis, Butterflies and moths | ||
Range
It is found from southern Quebec southward in eastern United States to Georgia and Louisiana and as far west as Arkansas.
Description
The wingspan is 34–37 mm for males and 31–34 mm for females. Adults are sexually dimorphic. Males are nearly uniform dark-brown. The hindwings are dark brown with a dark discal spot. Females have more apically-squared wings and are less uniformly dark coloured.
Habitat
It occurs in the darkest areas of rich xeric forests, with maples and oaks, especially rocky, hilly, maple groves where Christmas fern occurs commonly. Its dark-brown colour is well suited for hiding in these woods. The moth comes readily to light and flies at the beginning of the night. It is sometimes one of the first to come to light. Its flight is darting and rapid. The underside of the head, thorax and abdomen, including the legs, are pure white, so it is easily spotted when flying to the light. The moth is cryptically-coloured and well-adapted to hide in the darkest shadows of the woods.
Biology
The larvae have been recorded feeding on Polystichum acrostichoides and might also feed on other species of ferns. They roll the leaves of their host plant.
Etymology
The Latin name sphingealis refers to the sphingid-like appearance of the males.