Orthosia hibisci explained

Orthosia hibisci, the speckled green fruitworm moth, is a moth of the family Noctuidae. It is found in most of North America,^[1] except in desert regions. The habitat consists of moist forests, riparian, agricultural and urban areas.

The wingspan is 30–38 mm. The colour ranges from pale buff-grey to dark red-brown. The forewing pattern is also highly variable, from almost non-patterned to strongly banded forms. Adults are on wing from late March to April in one generation per year.^[2]

The larvae feed on various hardwood plants, including species in the families Aceraceae, Ericaceae, Betulaceae, Rhamnaceae, Rosaceae, Caprifoliaceae, Fagaceae and Salicaceae.^[3]

Subspecies

• Orthosia hibisci hibisci
• Orthosia hibisci brucei (Smith, 1910) (Colorado, Alberta)
• Orthosia hibisci nubilata (Smith, 1910) (Colorado)
• Orthosia hibisci quinquefasciata (Smith, 1909) (British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California)

Notes and References

1. http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/species.php?hodges=10495 mothphotographersgroup
2. Web site: Anweiler, G. G. . 2007 . Species Details: Orthosia hibisci . University of Alberta Museums . E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum . December 26, 2020.
3. http://pnwmoths.biol.wwu.edu/browse/family-noctuidae/subfamily-noctuinae/tribe-orthosiini/orthosia/orthosia-hibisci/ Pacific Northwest Moths