Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Cerma cerintha (Treitschke, 1826)
Acontia cerintha Treitschke, 1826
Synonym
Chamyris obscura Dyar, 1923;
Identification
Coloration resembles a bird dropping when at rest (mostly white in the middle, and dark at both ends). FW white with a mixture of black, gray, reddish-brown, and olive-green. Orbicular spot outlined black. Reniform spot partially filled with light gray or bluish-gray and outlined black. HW white with gray discal spot and gray terminal line. Abdomen with dark dorsal tufts
Range
eastern North America (New Brunswick and Maine to Florida, west to Mississippi and Arkansas, north to Manitoba)
Habitat
woodlands, wood edges, shrubby areas
Season
adults fly from May to August in the south; mostly June and July in the north
Food
larvae feed on leaves of plants in the rose family (Rosaceae) such as apple, cherry, hawthorn, peach, pear, plum, rose
Print References
Covell, p. 148, plate 30 #8
(1)Internet References
Larry Line, Maryland live adult images, common name reference [Tufted Bird Dropping Moth], food plants