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The minty green color of the small Laudable Arches Moth accentuates the various patterns on the wings with good contrast.
Members of the Arches group of moths are highly patterned and Laudable Arches is no exception. Overall, it has a light green shading with a large, obvious brown patch in the center of each forewing. It is similar in appearance to Implicit Arches, but the latter's brown mark is much fainter. Inside this brown patch is an obvious, round green spot outlined in black. Beneath that is a bright orange-red spot about equal in size. Under the orange spot is a light green and white bean-shaped blob. The brown patches are bordered on top with a straight, white, scalloped line, outlined in black for contrast, which runs across the wing. A second similar scalloped line runs beneath the brown patch on a slant. Fringe on the bottom edges of the wings are checkered white and black.
The species of moth has larvae that feed on herbaceous weeds like dandelions. Thanks to a range in a warmer part of the continent, two broods can be produced each year, and it is possible for adults to be found all year long in some places. Look for this small moth in fields, gardens and lots where weeds have started to establish a presence.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Family:Noctuidae
Genus:Lacinipolia
Species:laudabilis
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Lacinipolia laudabilis
Category:
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 16mm to 28mm (0.62in to 1.09in)
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. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
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: green, white, red, orange, brown, black
