Hodges#9693

Condica mobilis

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Noctuoidea
Family: Noctuidae
Subfamily: Condicinae
Tribe: Condicini
Genus: Condica
Species: mobilis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Condica mobilis: /ˈkɒn.dɪ.kə ˈmoʊ.bɪ.lɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Condica mobilis larva by Eridan Xharahi. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Condica mobilis by David Dodd. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

- 9693 – Condica mobilis – Mobile Groundling Moth by Wildreturn. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Condica mobilis, commonly known as the Mobile groundling, is a species of owlet moth found in a wide range across the Americas, characterized by its distinctive wing coloration and patterns. It is abundant in tropical and subtropical regions, with larvae that feed on specific host plants.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan 27-34 mm; forewing orangish to reddish-brown with dull brownish lines and mottling; white bottom of reniform spot; scalloped AM line; jagged, irregular subterminal line; hindwing whitish with grayish-brown border.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive coloration and wing patterns, particularly the jagged subterminal line and white reniform spot.

Habitat

Found in tropical and subtropical regions; flies all year in southern Florida.

Distribution

Arizona to Florida and north to New Jersey in the east; also found in the West Indies and Mexico to South America.

Diet

Larvae feed on beggarticks (Bidens spp.), including Spanish Needles (B. bipinnata) and Bearded Beggarticks (B. aristosa).

Life Cycle

The species undergoes complete metamorphosis with distinct larval and pupal stages.

Reproduction

The specifics of reproduction are not detailed, but like many moth species, it likely involves seasonal breeding periods with oviposition on appropriate host plants for larvae.

Ecosystem Role

One of the most abundant noctuids in the New World tropical and subtropical regions; plays a role in the ecosystem as a herbivore and prey for other species.

Evolution

Part of a diverse group of 27 Condica species found in America north of Mexico.

Similar Taxa

Platysenta mobilis (Walker)
Perigea mobilis Walker

Misconceptions

Misidentified with similar species in the Noctuidae family due to overlapping physical characteristics.