Thank you for this ID, I had no idea moths were active in New England winters! I read about it in the Guide section here as well as an article in Wikipedia. Seems like it's not a moth one would be happy to see: an introduced, steadily widening range of a deciduous (mostly Maples) defoliator in the caterpillar stage.

Question for you and others reading this post: Should I notify the RI DEM about finding these adults in my yard? I've learned they started up in northeastern Canada and have now become defoliating problems in the greater Boston area. Wikipedia made a brief reference to Northern Rhode Island (my area) where some have been seen? Many thanks, Maury, for the ID. Thanks as well to you and others regarding notifying the RI DEM.

Marcia, sure contacting them couldn't hurt. I do not think the moth has become a serious pest in your area and evidently has been recorded there in the past. Sorry for the slow reply.
Thanks

I called the RI DEM and yes, they are aware of this species, also saying it's been in the area for quite some time. Yet, it's not been a big problem. However, they like to receive recent sightings, which helps them monitor this species in RI over time. Nice guy, and he visits BugGuide.Net!

Thank you for this information, it's helpful. I think I will contact the RI DEM as an FYI, but it's good to know this species isn't like the Gypsy Moth plague of several years ago here in RI. No worries, you were not slow, at this time of year it's very nice to converse at BugGuide.Net about a species that's out and about NOW in New England!