Melanchra adjuncta
(Guenee) 1852

Melanchra adjuncta courtesy of Jackie, John, Cole and Cam,
Hullut Conservation Area, Huron County, Southern Ontario. September 14, 2003

The Hitched Arches Caterpillar feeds on asparagus, clover, dandelion, elms, alder, broom and other plants and is seldom considered a pest.

There are both brown and green larval forms.

This moth image was sent to me with the question, "Is this an underwing?"

I replied, "It is from the same family as the underwings, but its forewing markings indicate it is not from that genus." Catocala do not have the orbicular spot near the costa, midway between the reniform spot and the "shoulder" markings. A distinct jagged terminal line is also missing.

The moth was seen in Central Indiana, next to the Illinois border.

I suspect the moths lay eggs that overwinter.

Image courtesy of Margie Fultz.

Melanchra adjuncta belongs to the Noctuidae family in the subfamily Hadeninae.

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