Family: Noctuidae, Owlet Moths view all from this family

Description 1 1/4" (31mm). Wings and body black, wings with large white triangular and curved patches and smaller rectangular spots; larger patches crossed by black veins. Middle leg has tuft of bright orange scales.

Similar Species  The very widespread Eight-spotted Forester has round light spots on its wings, without the black veining of Ridings' Forester.

Life Cycle Host plants are Clarkias, esp. Farewell to Spring.

Flight March - June

Habitat Various, to 8000'.

Range Coast ranges, Sierras, desert mountains.

Discussion Many of the forester moths, including this species, are little, day-flying whirlabouts. Their bold coloration and habit of flying during the day causes many persons to think they are butterflies, though there are no small butterflies with such bold black and white markings.