Pale Gray Bird-dropping Moth
Common NamePale Gray Bird-dropping Moth
Scientific NamePonometia erastrioides
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcontiinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorswhite, gray, brown, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsaster, goldenrod, ragweed
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are caterpillars that feed on various low-growing herbaceous plants before pupating.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive bird-dropping camouflage pattern, characterized by irregular patches of white, gray, and dark brown on the forewings. The overall small size and broad, rounded forewings are also helpful features.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled white, gray, and dark brown markings on its forewings, designed to mimic bird droppings. The hindwings are typically a uniform dusky gray.
