The Dogwood Thyatirid moth has a wingspan of about 1.5 to 1.75 inches. The forewing is dark brownish-gray with showy light tan to pinkish markings near base, midpoint and apex of costa. The hindwing is plain light brown. A less common form “pennsylvanica” is entirely gray with obscure black lines. The mature larva grows to about 1 3/8 inches. The body is brown on top and white below. The head is yellow with 2 large black “eye” spots.
The frequency of occurrence of this moth at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods is not known. The individual shown here was photographed in early April at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center. The adults fly from March through May and are attracted to artificial lights. The caterpillars are found May through June.
This moth was formerly in the family Thyatiridae. It is in the subfamily Thytirinae which contains just 4 species in North America. The larvae eat leaves of Flowering Dogwood and occasionally oak. There is one generation a year. The pupa overwinters in a cocoon spun in leaf litter.
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