Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 999464

Spotted Fireworm Moth
Choristoneura parallela

Observation date: June 12, 2014
Submitted by: Harford Glen
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Found rolled inside of a leaf on a Chelone glabra plant - many similar larvae found in the same location on the same species of plant. Site is full sun, wet soil, near a large wetland. Many Chelone glabra plants were devoured by these larvae.
Status: Resident
Verified by: richardhsmith
Verified date: August 18, 2014
Coordinator notes: A clearer photo would help, but red head on caterpillar suggests Common Buckeye, which also chooses Snapdragon family hostplants. Update: Sept 10, 2014: After recent discussions with a Maryland state invertebrate specialist, I would like to change the identification from Junonia coenia Common Buckeye and “Temporary Colonist” to Choristoneura parallela Spotted Fireworm Moth and “Resident.”
Checklist region(s): Harford County, Maryland, United States