A Bristly Cutworm Moth has green patches on its wings and one of them is ringed in a bright, white border. The shade of green may be dull or it may be vivid and fresh depending on the individual. Two dark oval-shaped patches on the wings are just below the thorax. The perimeter of the wings has a pale ‘whip-stitched’ edging. This moth is actually named after its caterpillar.
The Bristly Cutworm may be green or brown, but it is surrounded by short hairs that grow out of each segment side as well as the top. A faint diamond pattern on it gives the larval segments a pointed, less rounded appearance from afar. The brown head has black interlacing lines on it. This caterpillar eats all sorts of short, herbaceous plants and crops though it is not a significant pest. Two broods are produced each year as adults are active from early spring through early autumn, giving them plenty of time and good weather to reproduce.
General Characteristics Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns.
Territorial Map U.S., Canada, and Mexico
Alaska
Hawaii
Prince Edward Is.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used for sensing.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.
Colors: brown; green; gray; white; black
