Blurry-patched Nola Moth - Hodges#8990
Nola cilicoides
This record describes Nola cilicoides (species). Recorded family: Nolidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
forewing white with a large dark patch halfway along the costa, the patch often containing reflective dark blue scales; a lighter grayish or brownish band continues from the patch to the inner margin, the postmedial line forming the distal margin of the band; antemedial line pale and indistinct; three equally-spaced tufts of scales present along basal half of costa; subterminal area may or may not contain light brownish or grayish arcs hindwing pale dirty gray, shading to white near the inner margin and basal area
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Nolidae (Nolid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Nolinae
- Genus
- Nola
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
presumably damp open areas or moist wood edges where the foodplant grows; adults attracted to artificial light
Geographic Range
eastern North America
Seasonal Activity
adults fly from June to August
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae feed on the leaves of Fringed Loosestrife ( Lysimachia ciliata )
Life History
"Mines leaves in August, hibernating between overlapping leaves, after the winter boring into stems and then feeding on leaves and flowers" ( Mass Moths ) Mined leaves; larva in mine; larva making cocoon; cocoon; adult
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Nola cilicoides. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Blurry-patched Nola Moth - Hodges#8990 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Ethan Kistler , marcie oconnor , JoAnneRusso
Frequently Asked Questions About Blurry-patched Nola Moth - Hodges#8990
What is Blurry-patched Nola Moth - Hodges#8990?
Blurry-patched Nola Moth - Hodges#8990 (Nola cilicoides) is a species in the family Nolidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Blurry-patched Nola Moth - Hodges#8990?
wingspan 17-18 mm
How do you identify Blurry-patched Nola Moth - Hodges#8990?
forewing white with a large dark patch halfway along the costa, the patch often containing reflective dark blue scales; a lighter grayish or brownish band continues from the patch to the inner margin, the postmedial line forming the distal margin of the band; antemedial line pale and indistinct; three equally-spaced tufts of scales present along basal half of costa; subterminal area may or may not contain light brownish or grayish arcs hindwing pale dirty gray, shading to white near the inner margin and basal area
Where is Blurry-patched Nola Moth - Hodges#8990 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | presumably damp open areas or moist wood edges where the foodplant grows; adults attracted to artificial light |
| Range | eastern North America |
What does Blurry-patched Nola Moth - Hodges#8990 eat?
The diet of the Blurry-patched Nola Moth - Hodges#8990 includes larvae feed on the leaves of Fringed Loosestrife ( Lysimachia ciliata ).
When is Blurry-patched Nola Moth - Hodges#8990 active?
Blurry-patched Nola Moth - Hodges#8990: seasonal activity - adults fly from June to August.
What is the life cycle of a Blurry-patched Nola Moth - Hodges#8990?
Mines leaves in August, hibernating between overlapping leaves, after the winter boring into stems and then feeding on leaves and flowers ( Mass Moths ) Mined leaves; larva in mine; larva making cocoon; cocoon; adult