Hodges#9066

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Leuconycta lepidula: //ˌljuːkəˈnɪktə lɛpɪˈduːlə//

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Summary

Leuconycta lepidula, known as the marbled-green leuconycta moth, marbled-green jaspidia or dark leuconycta, is a moth belonging to the family Noctuidae. It was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874 and can be found across North America from Nova Scotia to Texas and Alberta. It has a wingspan of about 30 mm, with distinctive forewings that can vary in coloration.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan about 30 mm. Forewing mottled grayish-brown and black, with large green spots and patches on the distal half (green color may be lacking in some specimens, replaced by pale gray or brown); large black patch near base of costa, and an inverted black triangle midway along costa; hindwing dark gray, with fringe composed of dark and pale scales.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive mottled grayish-brown forewing and large green spots, although some specimens may show pale gray or brown.

Habitat

Woodland edges, meadows and grassy fields.

Distribution

Nova Scotia to North Carolina, west to Texas, north to Alberta (North America east of the Rockies, except for southeastern states).

Diet

Larvae feed on Taraxacum species, including common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).

Life Cycle

One generation per year; adults are on wing from May to August.

Tags

• Leuconycta lepidula
• Marbled-Green Jaspidia
• Owlet Moth
• Noctuidae