Common gray
Anavitrinella pampinaria
35.8987, -86.9624
Field Notes
Description:
The Common Gray (Anavitrinella pampinaria) is a moth of the Geometridae family. It is found in most of North America except the arctic regions, south to Mexico.
The wingspan is 23-34 mm. The color of the forewing varies from medium gray to light yellowish-gray with heavy dark gray or black mottling. The first abdominal segment forms a pale whitish band, bordered proximally by a black line. This black line extends onto the base of the hindwing and onto the forewing, then curves forward but usually breaks before reaching the costa. The postmedial line is wavy and toothed. The subterminal line is white, scalloped or zigzagged. The hindwing color and pattern is similar to that of the forewing.
Habitat:
The larvae feed on Malus, Fraxinus, Trifolium, Pyrus, Populus and Salix species. The larvae are light brown and mimic twigs. The head is flat-faced, mottled with tan, white, black and occasionally pink. There are often black spots forming a dark blotch to either side of the triangle.
Notes:
This small moth would be perfectly camouflaged on tree bark though not so much on our door frame!
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