The Double-lined Gray Moth has a wingspan of about 1.25 inches. The forewings and hindwings are gray with black lines and white discal spots. The color of this moth is variable ranging from light gray with few or no markings in the median area (A) to dark gray with heavy dark lines (B). The upper body has a white line above a black band. The mature caterpillar grows to about 1.25 inches. The body is green, brown, yellow or red with “squarish” black middorsal spots and indistinct white cross bands. This moth was identified by volunteer experts at the BugGuide website.
The frequency of occurrence is not known at Fontenelle Forest or Neale Woods. The individuals shown here were photographed at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in late March. Adults come to artificial lights.
The larval foodplants are sweetfern, cherry, oak, sumac and others. The species overwinters as a pupa. According to David L. Wagner’s “Caterpillars of Eastern North America” the caterpillars are commonly attacked by a Eulophid parasitoid wasp. Up to 12 eggs are laid inside a caterpillar where they develop. The wasp larvae emerge together and attach in a cluster on the outside of the body, and devour the caterpillar.
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