Speckled Bird-dropping Moth
Common NameSpeckled Bird-dropping Moth
Scientific NameCondica concisa
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyCondicinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark brown, cream, black
HabitatWoodlands, forests, disturbed areas, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsvarious herbaceous plants, Asteraceae
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs hatch into larvae (caterpillars) that feed on host plants, then pupate in the soil or leaf litter before emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsLook for its small size and the distinctive, highly mottled forewing pattern of dark brown and pale cream, which mimics a bird dropping. The hindwings are typically plain gray.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled dark brown and creamy white or pale yellow forewings, designed to resemble a bird dropping for camouflage.
