Hodges#9309

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Psychomorpha epimenis: /saɪkoʊˈmɔrfə ɛpɪˈmɛnɪs/

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Summary

Psychomorpha epimenis, or the grapevine epimenis, is a North American moth distinguished by its unique wing coloration and feeding habits on grapevines. It has one annual brood and is predominantly found in wooded habitats during the spring months.

Physical Characteristics

The wings and body are black with a large white forewing patch and a red hindwing patch. Wingspan ranges from 22-27 mm (2.2 to 2.7 cm).

Identification Tips

Look for the characteristic large white patch on the forewings and the prominent red or orange patch on the hindwings. The larva is black with transverse white stripes and reddish-orange highlights.

Habitat

Woodlands, woodland edges, and hedgerows.

Distribution

Eastern North America, as far west as the Oklahoma Panhandle.

Diet

Larvae feed on the leaves of grape, particularly Vitis spp., including Vitis aestivalis, Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia, and Vitis vulpina.

Life Cycle

The larva makes a leaf shelter in new foliage by pulling the leaf edges upward and tying them together with silk. The pupa hibernates in wood or dense peat. It has one brood per year.

Ecosystem Role

As a herbivore, it plays a role in the ecosystem by being part of the food web and potentially influencing plant population dynamics.

Economic Impact

The larvae feed on cultivated grapevines, which may have economic implications for grape growers.

Evolution

Psychomorpha is a monotypic genus of the family Noctuidae, first described in 1839 by Thaddeus William Harris. The species is believed to have been first described by Dru Drury in 1782.

Tags

• moth
• Lepidoptera
• Noctuidae
• Psycomorpha
• grapevine epimenis
• eastern North America