Moths of North Carolina
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
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View PDFCrambidae Members:
Phaedropsis Members:
1 NC Records

Phaedropsis stictigramma (Hampson, 1912) - No Common Name


No image for this species.
Taxonomy
Family: CrambidaeSubfamily: SpilomelinaeP3 Number: 80a0940 MONA Number: 5247.00
Identification
Field Guide Descriptions: Online Resources: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLD                                                                                 
Adult Markings: This species is readily identified by its boldly marked wings, black-and-white banded forelegs, and bold white and black banding on the tip of the abdomen. The forewing is rich orange and has a group of eight black spots, including three along the costa, that are more or less evenly spaced apart. The most apical one on the costa commonly has a line of 3-5 smaller dots near the middle of the wing. The hindwing is concolorous with the forewing, but has only two black spots, along with a line of faint black dots that are similar to the one on the forewing.
Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens.
Immatures and Development: The larvae feed on the leaves of Sea Grape and construct shelters by either rolling or folding the edge of a young leaf. The larvae are a light translucent green and largely unmarked. The head is light amber-colored.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution: Phaedropsis stictigramma appears to be restricted to central and southern Florida, the West Indies and Panama. As of 2023, we have one record from Holden Beach in Brunswick County that appears to be a stray from Florida.
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Flight Dates:
 High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft.
 Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft.
 Piedmont (Pd)
 Coastal Plain (CP)

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Flight Comments: The adults fly from March through December in Florida.
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: This species is often found in coastal hammocks and beach strands where Sea Grapes are present.
Larval Host Plants: Phaedropsis stictigramma appears to be a specialist on Sea Grape (Coccoloba uvifera). This species grows naturally in central and southern Florida and is also planted as an ornamental. It is freeze intolerant, and rarely seen farther north than central Florida. - View
Observation Methods: The adults are attracted to lights.
Wikipedia
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks: GNR
State Protection:
Comments: Our one record is undoubtedly a stray from Florida since its only known host plant is intolerant of winter freezing.