The pink ‘shoulders’ on this moth may be pale or bright, but they offset the dark brown and gray that covers other parts of the wings. Pink may also be visible on the outer parts and bottom of the wings. A highly-raised tuft of brown hairs sticks up by the head. Silvery white marks near the inner edge of each wing are shaped like an oval and an irregular ring.
The caterpillar feeds on meadow rue, a native plant that has lilac-colored frilly flowers. It is plump and green with bright white diagonal lines on the sides of each segment. Segments are slightly bulged, looking more like humps. Look for both adult and larva in woodland edges, clearings, and of course, meadows, where its host plant is likely to grow.
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: pink; brown; gray; ivory
