Oval Abrostola, Symmerista, PINK-SHADED FERN MOTH & FLORIDA FERN MOTH
Notice how this moth's lighter-colored head makes this Oval Abrostola resemble a broken-off tip on the branch. When I put this moth on the middle of the branch, he immediately crawled to the end of a twig and perched there. He seemed to know instinctively that his "broken-off twig" camouflage would work better at the end of a branch.
Florida Fern Moth. As the name suggests, this species typically lives further south than Ohio. However, these moths occasionally turn up in the north as accidental introductions from ferns purchased at nurseries and garden centers.
I have seen Oval Abrostola moths on three occasions: twice at my home lights on July 11 and 22, 2025, and once at Hocking Hills on May 13, 2023.
Oval Abrostola moth. This species is said to be rare across its range. Their larvae feed on nettles.
This moth belongs to the Symmerista genus. Note the white streak along the bottom of the wings, with a triangular point. Several species of Symmerista moths are nearly impossible to distinguish from photos. I usually leave these moths at the genus level.
Another Florida Fern Moth. Note the fuzzy legs. I have found a couple of these moths in August and September.
Pink-shaded Fern Moth. This is my only sighting of this beautiful species. Pink-shaded Fern Moths are more common in the eastern half of Ohio than in our area.
This Pink-shaded Fern Moth came to my black lights on July 29, 2025 (same individual as above).