Oreta rosea (Walker, 1855)
MONA 6255
Rose Hooktip Moth
View Photographic Plate
NF
vic. Old Doyles Stn., 1727 ft
47.8, -59.2
July 15, 1985, LG Crabo.
Specimen courtesy of LGCC
Photograph copyright: Merrill A. Peterson
-
/media/moths_z/Oreta rosea-A-D -
/media/moths_z/Oreta rosea-A-V -
/media/moths_z/Oreta rosea-B-D -
/media/moths_z/Oreta rosea-B-V
Data Filters
Date Range
Elevation (ft)
Identification
Adults
Oreta rosea is a small to medium-sized moth (FW length 14–17 mm) that flies in central British Columbia during the summer. Its forewings, yellow and rosy-red in color, have a hooked tip and the outer margin below this hooked tip is prominently convex. The color is variable, a combination of orange brown, rose-brown, and bright yellow. Most specimens are either entirely reddish or red-brown with yellow in the subterminal area of the forewing and distal to the median line of the hindwing, but nearly entirely yellow specimens with red limited to the distal wing margins exist. The color is faintly barred with brown or gray. The other forewing markings are usually faint. When present, the postmedial line is dark gray followed by yellow and is nearly straight except for an acute angle toward the apex. Some specimens have two dark spots near the anal angle. The ends of the discal spot are marked by two pale dots. The fringes of both wings match the adjacent terminal areas. The head and thorax match the base of the forewing. The male antenna is simple, but relatively thick.
Oreta rosea is distinctive in color and shape and is unlikely to be confused with any other species in our area.
Habitat
This species is widely distributed in moist temperate hardwood forests of eastern North America. It likely occurs in boreal forests in British Columbia, although the precise habitat is unknown to us.
Distribution
Pacific Northwest
Oreta rosea occurs in the central and northeastern parts of British Columbia. The most southerly record encountered during this survey is from Clearwater.
Global
This moth is found across boreal Canada to eastern North America. The range extends north to northern Alberta, northern Manitoba, and Newfoundland. Oreta rosea occurs widely east of the Great Plains as far south as Florida and east Texas.
Life History
Larvae
This species appears to be a foodplant generalist feeding on various hardwoods such as birches (Betula spp.) in the Betulaceae and viburnums (Viburnum spp.) in the Caprifoliaceae.
Adults
This moth flies during the summer and has been collected during July and in early September in our region. It is nocturnal and comes to lights.
Economic Importance
This species has no economic importance.
Literature
Covell (1984)
