Identification
Adult: forewing white with large diagonal blackish patch in distal half, but not reaching apex; no greenish-yellow shading; orbicular spot, tiny, black; reniform spot obscured by mottling
hindwing whitish basally with grayish-brown shading distally
Range
eastern United States and southcentral Canada (Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan)
Habitat
fields, waste places, riparian areas where food plants grow; adult is attracted to light
Season
adults fly from May to September
Food
larvae feed on ragweed (Ambrosia spp.)
See Also
Tarachidia binocula has more uniform yellowish-green color in distal half of forewing, and mostly white hindwing
Olive-shaded Bird Dropping Moth (
Tarachidia candefacta) has greenish-yellow shading, and its dark distal patch reaches the forewing apex
(
compare images of all three species)
Conochares elegantulus has a paler distal half of forewing
other genera in the tribe
Acontiini have a similar overall appearance
Internet References
live adult images and common name reference [Small Bird Dropping Moth] (Larry Line, Maryland)
live adult image and comparison images of similar species (Steve Walter, New York)
pinned adult image plus common name reference [Small Bird Lime Moth], description, similar species, distribution, food plants (Gerald Fauske, Moths of North Dakota)
