The larva of Trichordestra tacoma (Strecker) (Lepidoptera; Noctuidae) has been misidentified in the past, resulting in a discrepancy in the phylogenetic placement of this species in separate works based on adults and on larvae. Both larva and adult prove to be similar to T. rugosa (Morr.) and T. liquida (Grote). The larva is described and illustrated, and a host list is presented.