small mocis

not listed

NNR - Unranked

not listed

Small mocis is a medium-sized moth. The adult is ¾″ to ⅞″ long and has a wingspan of 15 ⁄16″ to 111 ⁄16″. The drab, yellowish-brown and brown coloration helps to conceal it in dead grass.

The forewing is yellowish-brown with brown lines and spots. The lower median area, and a band beyond the postmedial line, are brown. A nearly straight line (antemedial line, AM line) separates the basal and median areas. Another nearly straight line (postmedial line) separates the median area and the postmedial area. In the lower median area there is a kidney-shaped spot (reniform spot) with a dark center. A small spot between the reniform spot and the inner margin (subreniform spot) is round, outlined in black, and hollow. The two spots are almost fused together. There is sometimes a small black spot along the inner margin at the AM line.

The hindwings are yellowish-brown with dark brown shading in the antemedial and marginal areas, and a poorly defined, pale, oblique line.

The larva is called striped grass looper

Total length: ¾″ to ⅞″

Wingspan: 15 ⁄16″ to 111 ⁄16″

Grasslands, agricultural fields

Multiple generations per year: June to October

Adults are active at night and will come to lights. At rest, the wings are held flat, and the moth forms almost an equilateral triangle in outline.

Caterpillars drop to the ground when threatened.

Mostly various grasses, including rice and corn; also beans and turnip

Sources

21, 24, 29, 30, 75.

Common in southeast and Midwest United States. Uncommon in Minnesota

Mocis latipes

Location: Hole-in-the-Mountain Prairie