VARIOUS GRAY MOTHS #2
I see Texas Grays in great abundance in September, but I have also found them every month from June through November.
Common Gray moth. Its best distinguishing feature is the white bar on its abdomen (just below the AM line).
Double-lined Gray moth. This spring-flying species is one of the most abundant species at my lights in April. Stragglers can persist until early May, but then they are done for the year.
Plumose Gray moth (also known as the Dainty Gray). Apparently, not a very common species. I have found a few individuals in April, June, and July. Notice how straight the lines are; most other "grays" have wavy lines. The caterpillars of this species feed on white and red cedars. I have found adult Plumose Gray moths near cedar groves at Twin Creek MetroPark and Cedar Bog near Urbana.
Another Texas Gray. Look for the warm reddish-brown shading below the PM line.
Another Common Gray. I find these moths every month from April through September.
Dotted Gray moth, photographed on May 13, 2023, at Hocking Hills (in eastern Ohio). I have found a couple of these moths at Hocking Hills but never at my home lights.
Another Double-lined Gray moth. Note the double AM line and the hollow spots on the wings.
Texas Gray. This moth has a much larger range than its name would indicate. These are very common moths in our area.
Another Double-lined Gray. Note the pale spots on each forewing.