Prominent moth? - Sthenopis argenteomaculatus - BugGuide.Net

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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera) » Ghost Moths (Hepialoidea) » Ghost Moths (Hepialidae) » Sthenopis » Silver-spotted Ghost Moth - Hodges#0018 (Sthenopis argenteomaculatus)

Photo#12042

Copyright © 2005 Tony DiTerlizzi

Prominent moth? - Sthenopis argenteomaculatus

Amherst, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, USA
June 9, 2004

Attracted to our front porch lights (and still there the following morning, allowing me some daylight shots). A beautifully marked creature.

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Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi on 27 February, 2005 - 8:25am
Last updated 9 June, 2018 - 9:50pm

A Really Low-number Micro -- Sthenopis

Possibly, even probably 0018 - Silver-spotted Ghost Moth, Sthenopis argenteomaculatus. But I am puzzled by the lack or orange around the white spots, and I suppose it could be a very closely related species. See these photos. Perhaps Tony Thomas will be able to clarify the situation when he sees your photo.

… Bob Patterson, 27 February, 2005 - 2:40pm

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You are correct

it's a Silver-spotted Ghost moth. They are quite variable in colour, this one looks incredible fresh as though it has just emerged. You must have alders growing nearby? You can just see a tinge of red/orange around the silver spots. Photos on Bob's MPG Plate, also in Covell and Holland. Sort of recognizable as a Hepialid by the tiny antennae; you can just see one over the eye.
Covell was incorrect when he stated that they are not attracted to lights; I've seen several attracted to lights and it appears this one was as well.

… A.W. Thomas, 27 February, 2005 - 6:31pm

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Thanks Tony & Bob,

I'll make a guide page for it when I get the chance...

We do have alders growing nearby...is that the larval host plant? I don't think it was that freshly emerged...In fact, I chose this shot because you can't see the worn off hair on the thorax from this angle:)

… Tony DiTerlizzi, 28 February, 2005 - 1:20pm

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relocated

I found the genus and species pages under Notodontidae, and moved them to Hepialidae.

… Robin McLeod, 16 October, 2005 - 8:10pm

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