Acherdoa ferraria Walker, 1865
Chocolate Moth
NatureServe Global Rank: G5
Virginia State Rank: S2
VA DGIF Tier: None
Federal Legal Status: None
Virginia Legal Status: None
Description: The Chocolate Moth is a medium sized (21-28mm) moth. The forewings are chocolate to reddish-brown with purplish-gray in the terminal area (outer margins), and the hindwings are brownish-black to brownish-gray. The reniform spot is usually outlined with white. Males have broadly pectinate antennae, but they are simple in females.
Similar species: This is a distinct species and the only one in this genus north of Mexico.
North American Range: The Chocolate Moth is mainly found in coastal areas from Maryland south to Florida and west along the Gulf Coast including Louisiana. It has been documented in several southeastern counties in Virginia.
VA Observations by Locality: Sussex
Flight season and broods: Adults fly from March to September but may fly in all months of the year in the more southern parts of its range.
Habitat and Food Plants: Little is known regarding the habitat and food plant for the Chocolate Moth.
Behavior and Ecology: Little is known regarding the behavior and ecology.
Population trend and potential threats: Population trends and potential threats are unknown. It is considered 'secure' across its entire range by NatureServe (2013).
Management practices: Because little is known regarding the ecology and potential threats, there are no recommended management practices.
References: Covell, C.V. 1984. A Field Guide to the Moths of Eastern North America. Peterson Field Guides, Boston, Mass. 496pp.
Bug Guide. 2003. Iowa State University Entomology. At: www.bugguide.net/node/view/57316. Accessed: 24Nov2012
Moth Photographers Group at the Mississippi Entomological Museum at Mississippi State University. Web application at: http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/large_map.php?hodges=9636 Accessed: 27Nov2012
NatureServe. 2013. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. (Accessed: January 23, 2013 ).