Grapevine Epimenis, Psychomorpha epimenis (Dury) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
The larva of the grapevine epimenis is similar to that of the eight-spotted forester, and the two species are often confused in the field. The epimenis larva is bluish-white, and each segment of the body is marked by four transverse black stripes. There is a black-spotted red band on the eighth segment. The head, cervical and anal plates are red with black spots. The larva is about 3/4 inch long when fully grown.
The adult of the grapevine epimenis is a velvety-black moth. Across the outer portion of each front wing there is an irregularly shaped white patch. On each hind wing there is a large, smooth-shaped orange-red or brownish-red patch. This" moth is about 7/8-1 inch in length.
Epimenis moths emerge in the spring after overwintering as pupae. The female moth lays eggs on or near the new foliage. Larvae emerge and construct an enclosure of terminal leaves by drawing the leaves toward each other and tying them together with silk. The caterpillar feeds within the shelter. A single larva may construct several enclosures.
By early to mid-June the larva completes its development. The mature burrows into soft wood or any other suitable medium and pupates. There is only one generation per year.
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