Emarginea percara (Morrison, 1875)
A noctuid moth
NatureServe Global Rank: G4
Virginia State Rank: S3
VA DGIF Tier: None
Federal Legal Status: None
Virginia Legal Status: None
Description: The Beloved Emarginea Moth is a medium-sized (20-22mm) moth, having whitish forewings with a distinct green tint and a blackish basal dash. It has a large dark gray irregular U-shaped patch in the median area, and a smaller dark gray patch along the inner margin. Hindwings are dirty yellowish-gray in color with a darker gray postmedian line.
Similar species: The Green Marvel (Agriopodes fallax) is a similar species, but has small black markings scattered across its forewings instead of a large U-shaped patch. It also has several prominent black marks along the outer margin.
North American Range: This moth ranges from Maryland to Florida, and west to California. In Virginia, it has been documented in Southampton, Suffolk and Virginia Beach counties.
VA Observations by Locality: Southampton | Virginia Beach, City of | Suffolk, City of | Suffolk, City of | Virginia Beach, City of
Flight season and broods: Adults fly from April to October.
Habitat and Food Plants: The habitat is not documented for this moth. The larvae feed on leaves of Mistletoe (Phoradendron spp.).
Behavior and Ecology: Little is known regarding the life history of this moth.
Population trend and potential threats: The population size is not known. The species of Mistletoe this moth feeds on is threatened or endangered, which is a potential threat.
Management practices: Management practices have not been determined for this species.
References: Bug Guide. 2003. Iowa State University Entomology. At: www.bugguide.net/node/view/57316. Accessed: 03May3012
Moth Photographers Group at the Mississippi Entomological Museum at Mississippi State University. Web application at: http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/large_map.php?hodges=9718 Accessed: 14Apr2013
Wagner, D. L., D.F. Schweitzer, J.B. Sullivan, and R.C. Reardon. 2011. Owlet Caterpillars of Eastern North America. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. 576pp.