Brown Scoopwing Moth (Calledapteryx dryopterata)
(Photo: Marvin Smith on 5/30/09)
Brown Scoopwing Moth
(Calledapteryx dryopterata)
(Calledapteryx dryopterata)
Hodges Number: 7653
Size: Wingspan 18-22 mm (around 3/4 of an inch).
Identification: Adult: wings red-brown or orange-brown. Has a bat-like or cross-like configuration when perched. Forewing has large scoop in outer margin, distinguishing it from the Gray Scoopwing. (Gray Scoopwing (Callizzia amorata) is grayer and lacks large scoop in outer margin of forewing.)
Larva: has five pairs of prolegs, distinguishing it from a Geometrid larva, which has two pairs of prolegs.
Range: Eastern North America: Quebec and Ontario to Florida, west to Arkansas.
Habitat: Presumably woodlands, edges, with hostplants (Viburnum spp.)
Season: Adults May-August or September.
Remarks: BugGuide notes that C. dryopterata is uncommon. That may hold true for other parts of its range, but I'd say it is common in my area of the Arkansas Ozarks -- at least, it was in 2009. I photographed several Brown Scoopwing Moths throughout the summer.
Above species information from BugGuide.
Other links:
Lynn Scott's Lepidoptera
Moths of Maryland
Bob Patterson @ MPG
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This moth looks like it has had a bite taken out of both sides. Such an unusual shape.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting looking moth. I've never seen one quite like that before. Wonder if they are found in Nova Scotia, where I spend a lot of my summer months? ~karen
ReplyDeleteProbably not - NS is much further E - too far? I didn't find a range map on BugGuide.
ReplyDeleteLisa: The first time I glimpsed one of these moths I thought it was severely damaged.
ReplyDeleteKaren: Every BugGuide page has a corresponding range map. Click the DATA tab. However, the range map only reflects images submitted to BugGuide. Nova Scotia could be crawling with Brown Scoopwing Moths, but unless someone has taken a photograph of them and submitted it to BugGuide, the map won't indicate their presence.
ReplyDeleteThe Moths of Canada is supposed to be an extensive site, but I've never used it and don't know what it offers.
You're right on the western edge of its range. What a lovely moth. I can't wait for our moths to "come back"!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marvin. I'll check it out! ~karen
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovley, beautiful, exotic-looking moth! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBefore I looked at your text, I thought that it almost looked like a bat! Great find, Marvin!
ReplyDelete