Exposed Bird Dropping Moth
Common NameExposed Bird Dropping Moth
Scientific NamePonometia semiflava
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcontiinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorswhite, black, brown, grey
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, meadows, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsasters, goldenrods, various composites
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are loopers that feed on various low-growing herbaceous plants. They pupate in a cocoon in leaf litter or soil.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive bird-dropping mimicry on the forewings, characterized by a stark contrast of white and dark patches, often with a prominent black discal spot.
Description
This small moth exhibits a highly effective cryptic camouflage, with forewings patterned in irregular patches of white, dark brown, black, and grey, often featuring a prominent black spot on a white background, mimicking bird droppings.
