Moved from Platyptiliini.

This is an interesting and instructive case where the moth can be positively identified based upon its larva and pupa, whereas identifying the adult moth is problematical. Debbie Matthews, Referee for Pterophoridae at MPG, sent the following to me about this series:

"This is a great series of photos of what is without a doubt Geina sheppardi. The dark markings on the thorax and first three abdominal segments of the pupa distinguish it from G. periscelidactyla and the abundant setae on the larva distinguish it from Sphenarches ontario. The larvae feed on wild grape. The larva in the photo is a prepupa that probably wandered off the host onto the Asimina leaf where it was found. The adults of sheppardi are typically darker than periscelidactyla, like these are, but this is sometimes difficult to interpret in photos."

I was so sure that it was going to be a butterfly! Great series, Jackie!