Ledaea perditalis
(Walker, 1859)
Lost Owlet, Buttonbush Owlet
Ledaea perditalis is a small erebid commonly known as the Lost Owlet or Buttonbush Owlet. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with active primarily during spring and summer months. The has been documented feeding on buttonbush and woolgrass as larvae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ledaea perditalis: //lɛˈdiːə pɛrˈdɪtəlɪs//
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Identification
The can be identified by its small size (23–26 mm wingspan) and geographic range. Specific diagnostic features distinguishing it from are not detailed in available sources.
Images
Appearance
have a wingspan of 23–26 mm. Specific coloration and pattern details are not provided in available sources.
Habitat
Associated with wetlands and riparian areas where plants grow. Larval hosts include Cephalanthus (buttonbush), which typically occur in wet such as swamps, pond margins, and stream banks.
Distribution
North America: Great Lakes states, Quebec, and northern New England south to Florida and Texas.
Seasonality
are active April to August in southern parts of the range, and May to August in northern parts. One to three per year have been reported.
Diet
Larvae feed on Cephalanthus (buttonbush) and Scirpus cyperinus (woolgrass). feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Cephalanthus - larval buttonbush
- Scirpus cyperinus - larval woolgrass
Life Cycle
Partially described: one to three per year depending on location. Complete developmental details are not available.
Ecological Role
Herbivore in wetland ; larvae consume native wetland plants.
Similar Taxa
- Other Ledaea speciesCongeneric may overlap in range and require detailed examination for separation; specific distinguishing characters are not documented in available sources.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The has been placed in multiple historically, including Hyamia and Spargaloma. Current placement in Ledaea follows recent taxonomic revisions, though some sources still list Spargaloma perditalis as a synonym.
Nomenclature
The specific epithet 'perditalis' translates to 'lost' in Latin, giving rise to the 'Lost Owlet'.