American Ear Moth
Common NameAmerican Ear Moth
Scientific NameAmphipoea americana
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, white
HabitatMoist meadows, wetlands, bogs, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America
Host Plantsgrasses, sedges, goldenrod, aster
Flight PeriodLate July to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs overwinter, larvae hatch in spring and bore into stems and roots of herbaceous plants, pupation occurs in the soil, and adults emerge in late summer.
Identification TipsKey features include the overall dull brown coloration, robust body, and especially the distinct white or pale reniform spot on the forewing. Distinguishing from similar *Amphipoea* species may require close examination.
Description
A medium-sized, robust moth with dull reddish-brown to grayish-brown mottled forewings. It features a prominent, often white or pale, kidney-shaped (reniform) spot and a smaller, rounder (orbicular) spot.
