Polished Bird-dropping Moth
Common NamePolished Bird-dropping Moth
Scientific NameBasilodes pepita
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyPlusiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, yellowish-brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, gardens, and areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host PlantsDogwood (Cornus spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to October (often two broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are typically green with white stripes, feeding on the leaves of dogwood trees. Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its unique and highly effective camouflage pattern, which strongly resembles a bird dropping, with a dark base and prominent white and yellowish-brown blotches on the forewings.
Description
This small moth exhibits a remarkable cryptic pattern on its forewings, featuring irregular patches of dark brown, white, and yellowish-brown that perfectly mimic a bird dropping.
