Field Guide Descriptions: Covell (1984; as Faronta diffusa); Beadle and Leckie (2012) | Online Photographs: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLD | Technical Description, Adults: Forbes (1954), as Faronta diffusa | Technical Description, Immature Stages: Forbes (1954); Wagner et al. (2011) | |
Adult Markings: Similar in size, coloration, and pattern to some of the Leucanias, but the more heavily streaked forewings and pearly-white hindwings are distinctive. Look for the elongated triangular mark below the apex of the forewing and a dark discal spot. |
Adult Structural Features: The three species of Dargida have slightly different genitalia but can be more easily distinguished by their maculation. |
Structural photos |
![](photos_structures/2016/tn10431.00_1452619842.jpg) Male reproductive structures |
![](photos_structures/2016/tn10431.00_1452619860.jpg) Aedeagus |
![](photos_structures/2016/tn10431.00_1452619878.jpg) Abdominal pelt |
![](photos_structures/2016/tn10431.00_1452619903.jpg) Female reproductive structures |
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Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens. |
Immatures and Development: Larvae are extremely variable in color pattern and are similar to those of D. rubripennis, which feed on at least some of the same species of grasses (see Wagner et al., 2011, for illustrations and a detailed description). Pupae overwinter in an underground cell (Wagner et al, 2011). |
Larvae ID Requirements: Identifiable only through rearing to adulthood. |