Small Bird-dropping Moth

Small Bird-dropping Moth

Tarachidia erastrioides
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Noctuidae)

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This is a very small moth, with a wingspan under one inch. But at rest, it is less than 1/2 inch long. As the common name implies, it looks like bird dropping – a defense mechanism shared by quite a few other moths, and caterpillars as well.

 

The abundance of this tiny moth is unknown for our two nature centers. But they are probably common, since its larvae feed on two species of Ragweed (Ambrosia ssp.) of which we have plenty of. Adults are seen from May through September, but mostly at night – they are attracted to light.

 

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