About Acontia candefacta (Hübner)
Acontia candefacta (Hübner), also called Ponometia candefacta, commonly known as the olive-shaded bird-dropping moth, is a moth species belonging to the family Noctuidae. This species is native to North America, where it has been recorded ranging from the northern United States down to southern Mexico. It has been intentionally introduced to Russia to act as a biological control agent for Ambrosia artemisiifolia. Its typical habitat is made up of dry, weedy, disturbed areas located at low elevations. The wingspan of adult moths measures 18 to 22 mm. Adults are active during the summer season, with flight records from April to September. The larvae of this moth feed on plants in the family Asteraceae, including species in the genera Aster and Ambrosia. The larvae are green in color and have a distinct white lateral stripe.
