Pretty Bird-Dropping Moth
Common NamePretty Bird-Dropping Moth
Scientific NameAcontia aprica
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcontiinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, extending west to Texas and north to parts of the Midwest
Host Plantsmallow, hibiscus, sida, other Malvaceae
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green or brown and feed on the leaves of host plants, pupating in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, vibrant orange-yellow base color, and the unique black and white/grey pattern on the forewings that gives it the appearance of a bird dropping, a form of camouflage.
Description
A small moth with bright orange-yellow forewings featuring a prominent, irregular black and white/grey band across the middle, mimicking a bird dropping.
