Gray Perimede Moth
Common NameGray Perimede Moth
Scientific NamePerimede errans
FamilyCosmopterigidae
SubfamilyCosmopteriginae
Wingspan (mm)9
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark gray, purplish-brown, black, silver
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, and areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Quebec and Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas)
Host PlantsUnknown, likely deciduous trees or shrubs
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are likely internal feeders (e.g., leaf miners or borers) on their host plants, though specific details for this species are not well documented.
Identification TipsKey features include its very small size, extremely slender body, and characteristic resting posture with wings tightly folded. The dark, slightly iridescent purplish-gray forewings with subtle speckling help distinguish it from other microlepidoptera.
Description
A small, slender moth with dark, somewhat iridescent purplish-gray forewings mottled with scattered lighter scales. It rests with its wings folded tightly along its body, giving it a very narrow, stick-like appearance.
