Iridopsis - Iridopsis vellivolata

Moved

Moved from Iridopsis.

… Paul Dennehy, 4 April, 2016 - 12:01am

Moved

Moved from Geometrid Moths.

… Tony Leukering, 4 January, 2015 - 7:51pm

Moved

Moved from Moths.

… Tony Leukering, 4 January, 2015 - 7:50pm

Moved

Moved from ID Request.

… v belov, 8 December, 2014 - 2:12pm

This looks like an Iridopsis

This looks like an Iridopsis vellivolata - Large Purplish Gray

The overall coloration, the black PM and AM lines converging at the inner margin and the hollow, elliptical discal spot on the HW all point to this species.

… nancy dowd, 6 December, 2014 - 12:40pm

Thanks so much!

Thanks so much for the details in your comment. That really helps me learn. I've been wondering about my wingspan measurement. I used a ruler right on top of the moth in the pose you see her in this picture. Still, it seems that 44mm is way too big for any member of this genus, so I'm thinking I made a mistake. Any suggestions?

… Chris Hartley, 8 December, 2014 - 9:49am

I just use my own wingspan me

I just use my own wingspan measurements as a guide. I estimate the wingspan in whatever position the moth is in and really only use it to help narrow my search. There seems to be little agreement on exactly how it is done in live moths. See the wingspan comments below the silhouettes here http://bugguide.net/node/view/21675 I often just measure the length because it is more cut-and-dried and also a useful comparison when trying to figure out what species you have.

I think you have done the wingspan correctly. These are relatively large members of this moth grouping.

… nancy dowd, 8 December, 2014 - 4:31pm