Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1226483

Small Ranunculus Moth
Hecatera dysodea

Observation date: August 08, 2019
Submitted by: A_baldini
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: I found this larva (and several others) on a prickly lettuce plant in my backyard. Small Ranunculus moths are common in my neighborhood, and their caterpillars eat wild lettuce, so that's my best guess for identification. I've also seen egg clusters on the flower buds of other prickly lettuce plants in my yard.
Status: Nonresident
Verified by: charleseharp
Verified date: December 29, 2019
Coordinator notes: http://www.pyrgus.de/Hecatera_dysodea.html Couldn't find images yet for US, but this German site matches this instar. Later instars seem to have less 'dots' on dorsal surface.
Checklist region(s): United States, Colorado, Larimer County