Butterflies, Moths, Dragonflies & Damselflies of Dayton, Ohio

Bird-DROPPING MIMICS

Small Bird-dropping Moth. I have found a couple of individuals at my lights in June and July. 

Giant Eucosma moth. This uncommon species is an excellent bird-dropping mimic. I have found a few individuals at my UV lights in July and early August. 

This moth belongs to the Antaeotricha genus. Two species are difficult to distinguish: the Schlaeger's Fruitworm and the Pale Gray Bird-dropping Moth. Schlaeger's Fruitworm Moths tend to be slightly larger, but there is some size overlap. (Unfortunately, all of the individuals that I have measured have been in the overlap range.)

Exposed Bird-dropping moth, photographed August 21, 2018, at Twin Creek MetroPark. 

Exposed Bird-dropping moth. I have found a few individuals from July through September. 

Olive-shaded Bird-dropping moth. I have found a few individuals from May through August. 

Another Olive-shaded Bird-dropping moth. The host plant is giant ragweed. 

Another Giant Eucosma moth. The caterpillars eat Cup Plants (Silphium perfoliatum). I planted several Cup Plants in my garden a few years ago and they are spreading like crazy, which could explain what attracted these Giant Eucosma moths to my yard.