Beautiful Arches
Common NameBeautiful Arches
Scientific NameLacinipolia lorea
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHadeninae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark brown, reddish-brown, black, grey
HabitatWoodlands, forests, open fields, gardens, and disturbed areas.
Geographic RangeEastern and central North America, from Newfoundland west to British Columbia and south to Florida and Texas.
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, clover, goldenrod, willow, birch, various grasses and herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are cutworms, usually green or brown, feeding on a wide variety of herbaceous plants and grasses. They pupate in the soil, and there is typically one generation per year.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled dark brown and reddish-brown forewings with a somewhat arched or wavy pattern, often featuring a prominent dark basal dash and distinct kidney-shaped (reniform) and circular (orbicular) spots. Its cryptic coloration allows it to blend seamlessly with bark or dead leaves.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned forewings, typically dark brown to reddish-brown with mottled black and grey markings, including distinct reniform and orbicular spots.
