Dotted Gray
Common NameDotted Gray
Scientific NameHypagyrtis punctillata
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, gray, black
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Texas and Manitoba
Host Plantsoak, birch, maple, willow, cherry, blueberry, hickory, poplar
Flight PeriodMay to September (often bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are 'loopers' or 'inchworms' that feed on a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs. They pupate in the soil or leaf litter, and the species typically overwinters as a pupa or egg, depending on the brood and region.
Identification TipsLook for the overall pale gray or whitish coloration with a distinctive pattern of numerous small black dots scattered across both forewings and hindwings. Males have strongly bipectinate (feathery) antennae, while females have simple antennae.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled white to pale gray wings, densely covered in numerous small black dots and often faint wavy lines. The body is also pale gray with black markings.
