Field Guide Descriptions: Covell (1984); Beadle and Leckie (2012) | Online Photographs: MPG, BugGuide, iNaturalist, Google, BAMONA, GBIF, BOLD | Technical Description, Adults: Forbes (1954); Poole (1995) | Technical Description, Immature Stages: Wagner (2005); Wagner et al. (2011) | |
Adult Markings: A large, lovely golden moth. The large, hollow spots and fine, dark postmedian distinguish this species from other bright yellow or gold-colored Noctuids, such as Cirrophanus triangulifer, Stiria rugifrons, and Argyrogramma verruca. Sexes are similar. |
Adult Structural Features: Typical for this group of Noctuids and should differentiate it from anything closely resembling it. Note the pointed ovipositor, which probably evolved for laying eggs into the flowers of Asteraceae. |
Structural photos |
![](photos_structures/2016/tn9781.00_1454174829.jpg) Male reproductive structures |
![](photos_structures/2016/tn9781.00_1454174912.jpg) Aedeagus |
![](photos_structures/2016/tn9781.00_1454174931.jpg) Abdominal pelt |
![](photos_structures/2016/tn9781.00_1454174953.jpg) Female reproductive structures |
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Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens. |
Immatures and Development: The black and orange caterpillars resemble the larvae of sawflies (Wagner et al, 2011). Middle instar larvae are said to feed at night, later larval stages feed throughout the day and night on the flowers and seed capsules. |
Larvae ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos, especially where associated with known host plants. |