Gnophaela vermiculata
Grote, 1864
Police Car Moth, Police-Car Moth, Green Lattice
A day-flying of western North America, recognized by its striking black-and- pattern with orange accents near the . The 'Police Car Moth' refers to this coloration, which resembles historical police vehicle markings. are active in late summer and visit flowers for nectar. feed on plants in the borage , particularly Mertensia, Lithospermum, and Hackelia .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Gnophaela vermiculata: //nɔˈfæ.lə vɜːr.mɪ.kjʊˈleɪ.tə//
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Identification
Distinguished from Gnophaela latipennis by larger pale areas on the and straighter margins; G. latipennis has more rounded forewing margins and reduced pale patterning. The black-and- lattice pattern with orange markings is distinctive among western North .
Images
Appearance
Wingspan approximately 54 mm. display a bold black-and- lattice or vermiculated pattern. Orange or yellowish present near the , visible in . margins relatively straight compared to . exhibit the black-and-white coloration; are born with yellower patches and develop the adult coloration pattern as they mature.
Habitat
Associated with montane and subalpine regions of the Rocky Mountains and western cordillera. Occupies where plants in the Mertensia, Lithospermum, and Hackelia occur, typically open meadows, forest edges, and riparian zones in mountainous terrain.
Distribution
Western North America from British Columbia and Alberta (Canada) south through the Rocky Mountain states to California, east to New Mexico, and north to Manitoba. Core range centers on the Rocky Mountain region of the United States.
Seasonality
active in late summer. : one per year. period coincides with flowering of nectar sources including Cirsium and Solidago.
Diet
feed on foliage of Mertensia, Lithospermum, and Hackelia (Boraginaceae). feed on nectar of various herbaceous flowers, including Cirsium (thistles) and Solidago (goldenrods).
Host Associations
- Mertensia - larval Boraginaceae
- Lithospermum - larval Boraginaceae
- Hackelia - larval Boraginaceae
- Cirsium - nectar sourceAsteraceae
- Solidago - nectar sourceAsteraceae
Life Cycle
with . : one annually. overwinter, pupate, and emerge as in late summer. Larvae born with yellower , developing adult coloration as they mature.
Behavior
: during daylight hours, unusual among . Has been observed to visit flowers for nectar. The orange markings may flash visibly in , potentially contributing to the 'police car' through resemblance to emergency vehicle lighting.
Ecological Role
function as when visiting flowers for nectar. are specializing on Boraginaceae. The aposematic coloration suggests chemical defense, though specific compounds have not been documented for this .
Human Relevance
None documented. Occasionally noted by naturalists and photographers due to its striking appearance and habits. Not a .
Similar Taxa
- Gnophaela latipennisSimilar black-and- lattice pattern, but distinguished by smaller pale areas and more rounded margins
More Details
Taxonomic History
Originally described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1864 as Omoiala vermiculata. Now classified in Erebidae, Arctiinae, reflecting modern revisions of higher-level that have separated this group from the former '' and '' concepts.
Etymology
Specific epithet 'vermiculata' refers to the -like or vermiculated pattern on the . 'Police Car ' references the black-and- coloration with orange 'flashing' accents, resembling historical police vehicle markings.