One-spotted Bird-dropping Moth
Common NameOne-spotted Bird-dropping Moth
Scientific NamePonometia erastrioides
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcontiinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorswhite, brown, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsaster, goldenrod
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are semi-loopers, feeding on the leaves of various herbaceous plants, particularly asters and goldenrods. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, often in leaf litter or soil.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the stark contrast between the white anterior and dark brown posterior of the forewings, the irregular white patches, and the single prominent black spot on the dark area, all contributing to its bird-dropping mimicry.
Description
This small moth has a white head and thorax, with forewings that are predominantly white on the basal half and dark brown on the outer half, featuring irregular white patches and a prominent black spot. Its pattern provides excellent camouflage, mimicking bird droppings.
