Common Ptichodis Moth
Common NameCommon Ptichodis Moth
Scientific NamePtichodis bistrigata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsgray, brown
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, shrublands
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas)
Host Plantsoak, blueberry
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are 'inchworms' or loopers, typical of the Geometridae family, and feed on the leaves of various woody plants. Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter, with adults emerging later.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the triangular resting posture, the mottled grayish-brown wings with two wavy pale lines, the two small black dots on the forewings, and especially the prominent, snout-like palps.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a distinctive triangular shape, mottled grayish-brown wings, and two wavy, pale transverse lines. It features prominent, forward-projecting palps that give it a 'snout' appearance, and two small black dots near the forewing apex.
