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Police car moth

Police car moth

Gnophaela vermiculata

A species of Gnophaela, Also known as Gnophaela vermiculata

Gnophaela vermiculata, sometimes known as the police-car moth or green lattice, is a moth of the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1864. It is found in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States and in western parts of North America, from British Columbia to California, east to New Mexico and north to Manitoba. It is often mistaken to be the Gnophaela Latipennis because of the similarity in their pattern. The wingspan is about 54 millimetres (2.1 in). Adults are on wing in late summer and fly during the day. There is one generation per year. The larvae is born with yellower patches but eventually grows into the adult coloring. As larvae, they feed on Mertensia, Lithospermum and Hackelia species. Adults feed on nectar of various herbaceous flowers, including Cirsium and Solidago. It is often mistaken to be the Gnophaela Latipennis because of the similarity in their pattern. The forewing margins are what make them distinguishable.

Does the Police car moth cause allergies?
Allergenic
General Info About Police car moth
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Attributes of Police car moth
Colors
Black
Yellow
White
Habitat
mountain region; moist mountain meadow; forest; riparian zone
Larva Food Source
Various plant leaves including but not limited to lamiaceae species
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Police car moth feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Vestigial
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Species Status of Police car moth
Common and widespread
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Distribution Area of Police car moth
United States, North America, British Columbia, California, New Mexico, Manitoba
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Life Cycle of Police car moth
Egg Eggs of police car moth are typically laid on host plants and are small, oval, and sometimes colorful. This stage is primarily for protection and development into the larval stage.
Larva The larva of police car moth, also known as a caterpillar, is a long, multi-segmented worm-like creature. It's focused on feeding and growth, molting several times, thus changing size and sometimes color with each molt.
Pupal The pupa of police car moth forms within a cocoon or chrysalis. During this stage, it undergoes a drastic transformation, reorganizing its body structure. This stage is static, with no feeding as it prepares for adulthood.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult police car moth’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. Its body is fully formed and hardened, and it exhibits vibrant colors, focusing on reproduction and dispersal.
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Interesting Facts About Police car moth
The police car moth can emit an ultrasonic click, deterring bats by jamming their echolocation systems, a defense mechanism not commonly found in other similar species.
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Scientific Classification of Police car moth
Tips for Finding Police car moth
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Youth Habitat of Police car moth
Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Police car moth
Forests and Woodlands
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Habitat Preferences of Police car moth Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of police car moth are typically found on the underside of host plant leaves in regions with cool, moist climates. As caterpillars, they are often spotted on or near their host plants, usually grasses or low vegetation, in meadows or open woodlands. Searching for these larvae would involve examining the host plants thoroughly. Pupae may be concealed in loose soil or plant debris nearby. Adult police car moth are attracted to a variety of flowers and are commonly seen in flower-rich areas within their habitat range, such as edges of forests or clearings. To observe the adults, one might visit these flowering zones during daylight, especially when temperatures are favorable for their activity.
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How and Where Can You Find Police car moth at Different Life Stages
Egg Police car moth eggs are often laid in clusters on the underside of host plant leaves. To find them, inspect the leaves of known host plants for small, bumpy structures arranged in groups.
Larva Police car moth caterpillars are known for their distinctive coloration and patterns, which can make them easier to spot on their host plants. Look for them by checking the leaves and stems of plants they typically feed on.
Pupal Police car moth pupae might be found in loose soil or leaf litter near the host plants. Search at the base of these plants and gently move aside debris to uncover the pupae.
Adult Police car moth adults are nocturnal and attracted to light sources. Setting up a light trap with a white sheet at night can be an effective way to observe and find them.
Are Police car moth harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Police car moth
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Allergenic
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Does the Police car moth cause allergies?

At the larval stage, police car moth may cause mild allergies in a small number of people through contact with its hair. Common symptoms are often skin-related, such as rashes or itching. The degree of risk is generally low, but susceptible individuals should handle larvae with care to prevent allergic reactions.

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Hurt Plant

Police car moth larvae can feed on a variety of plants. They primarily consume leaves, potentially leading to defoliation. Depending on the population, damage can range from mild to severe, with significant infestations causing extensive foliar damage.

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