Orthosia rubescens
(Walker, 1865)
Ruby Quaker
Orthosia rubescens, commonly known as the ruby Quaker, is a of cutworm moth in the Noctuidae. It is found across North America and is characterized by its reddish coloration. The species is assigned MONA/Hodges number 10487. Like other members of the Orthosia, it is a spring-flying with a single per year.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Orthosia rubescens: /ɔrˈθoʊsɪə ruˈbɛskɛnz/
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Identification
The can be distinguished from other Orthosia species by its reddish (ruby) coloration, as suggested by both the scientific epithet 'rubescens' and 'ruby Quaker'. Specific diagnostic features separating it from similar spring noctuids such as Orthosia hibisci (Speckled Green Fruitworm ) are not documented in available sources. are medium-sized noctuid moths typical of the .
Images
Distribution
North America. Records include the United States (specifically documented from Vermont).
Seasonality
Spring-flying with active early in the season. Based on congeneric patterns in Orthosia, period likely occurs primarily in March and April, with some individuals persisting into May or June in northern latitudes.
Similar Taxa
- Orthosia hibisciSimilar spring-flying Orthosia with overlapping geographic range and ; distinguished by speckled green coloration versus the ruby/reddish tones of O. rubescens
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Apamea rubescens by Walker in 1865, later transferred to the Orthosia. The is cataloged under MONA ( of North America)/Hodges number 10487.
Data limitations
Detailed biological information for this is sparse in accessible literature. Most knowledge of the Orthosia derives from better-studied congeneric species such as O. hibisci and O. incerta.