Brown-hooded Owlet
Cucullia convexipennis
Despite the caterpillar's vivid yellow, red, and black warning coloration, it possesses no chemical sting or toxic spine.
- Scientific name
- Cucullia convexipennis
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Lepidoptera › Noctuidae › Cucullia
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Deciduous forest edges, clearings, meadows, old fields, and woodland borders.
- Diet
- Larvae feed on flowers and seeds of goldenrods and asters; adults feed on floral nectar.
- Range
- Canada, United States
- Size
- 40–50 mm wingspan
- Lifespan
- 1 yr
- Active
- nocturnal
- Threats
- Pesticide application, widespread mowing of native late-season wildflowers, and light pollution.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. Adults and caterpillars possess no venom, stingers, or urticating hairs. They can be safely observed at close range. If handled, gentle contact will not cause irritation, though caterpillars may regurgitate plant juices defensively.
The Brown-hooded Owlet or Brown-bordered Cucullia ( Cucullia convexipennis ) is a species of moth of the Noctuidae family. It is found in the north-eastern parts of the United States and adjacent parts of Canada.
Photo: Judy Gallagher, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist
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