Dargida rubripennis (Grote and Robinson, 1870)
Pink-streak moth
NatureServe Global Rank: G3G4
Virginia State Rank: S2
VA DGIF Tier: IV
Federal Legal Status: None
Virginia Legal Status: None
Description: Pink-streak Moth is a medium-sized (32-37 mm) moth, with yellowish white forewings containing prominent pink streaks. The hindwings are white with dull pink shading.
Similar species: The pink coloration and size are absolute diagnostic traits for this moth.
North American Range: This species ranges from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Minnesota and Arizona.
VA Observations by Locality: Arlington | Amherst
Flight season and broods: Adults fly from late July to September. This is a single brooded species.
Habitat and Food Plants: The habitat appears to be prairielands and grassy wetlands. The food plant is grasses.
Behavior and Ecology: Little is known regarding this species life history, but like most Noctuids, this moth is nocturnal and some pupae may remain in diapauses an extra year.
Population trend and potential threats: Population trends and threats are unknown.
Management practices: Management practices have not been determined.
References: Bug Guide. 2003. Iowa State University Entomology. At: www.bugguide.net/node/view/57316. Accessed: 04May2012
Covell, Charles W., Jr. Peterson Field Guides "Eastern Moths". Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1984. Print.
Endangered Resources Program Species Information. 2011. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 4 May 2012
Moth Photographers Group at the Mississippi Entomological Museum at Mississippi State University. Web application at: http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/large_map.php?hodges=10434 Accessed: 14Apr2013