New Jersey Butterfly Club
A chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA)
The Joker (Feralia jocosa)
Hodges number: 10005
Family: Noctuidae
Subfamily: Amphipyrinae, Tribe: Psaphidini
Wingspan: 1.25 inches; Total length of body: 0.8 inches.
Range in NJ: Mainly Ridge and Valley and Highlands.
A U.S./Canada distribution map for this species is available.
Flight Period: late March to late May—most in April; 1 brood.
Caterpillar Food Plants: Conifers, especially hemlocks, spruces, and firs. Interestingly, I could find no mention of pines being used as hosts. Near my moth station, larvae may host on Norway Spruce.
Abundance: Locally uncommon in or near habitat with host trees. A few are attracted to my moth lights almost every year.
Comments: The Joker (aka, Jocose Sallow) would be a terrific choice representing the month of April in a calendar featuring NJ moths (what a great idea). Tawny brown color phase is rare. Attracted to lights.
Rare brown form of The Joker Moth.
Common green form on a Sourwood tree branch.