Yellow-fronted Owlet
Common NameYellow-fronted Owlet
Scientific NamePonometia clausula
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcontiinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Primary Colorsyellow, dark grey, black, white
HabitatWoodlands, fields, disturbed areas, open forests
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America (southeastern Canada south to Florida, west to Texas and Kansas)
Host Plantsasters, goldenrods, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; eggs hatch into larvae (caterpillars) that feed on herbaceous plants, then pupate before emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its bright yellow head and the distinct bicolored forewings, with the inner half yellow and the outer half dark mottled grey/black.
Description
A small moth with a striking bicolored pattern, featuring a bright yellow head and basal half of the forewings, sharply contrasting with the mottled dark grey to black outer half speckled with white.
