SeasonalityAdults emerge in July (Strickland 1953).
IdentificationA moderate-sized species with a wingspan of 58 - 62mm. Forewings broader than in O. rimosa and O. canadensis, with a width:length ratio of 0.34 - 0.36 (0.29 - 0.31 in canadensis and rimosa) (Simons 1954). Red basal forewing membranes and basal half of costa. Pronotum, mesonotum and abdominal segments shining black with narrow orange borders. Underside with more orange than dorsum, legs orange with black at segment joints. Male valve usually black. Most similar to O. occidentalis, but according to Davis (1919) bella has a slight bluish tint to the black body which is absent in occidentalis. The basal forewing cell is clouded or black rather than clear, and the head is narrower and less blunt compared to occidentalis. Male genitalia of bella and occidentalis similar, with broad, sinuate apical border compared to the defined notch of O. luteobasalis. Last ventral abdominal segment of female with one notch in bella and occidentalis, two in occidentalis.