Exelis pyrolaria
Guenée, 1857
Fine-lined Gray, fine-lined gray moth, plumose gray moth
Exelis pyrolaria is a small geometrid known by two reflecting its appearance: fine-lined gray moth and gray moth. Males have a wingspan of 22–25 mm, while females are slightly smaller at 19–24 mm. The occurs in eastern North America and has been recorded feeding on two specific plants as larvae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Exelis pyrolaria: /ɪkˈsiːlɪs pɪroʊˈlɛəriə/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar gray geometrid moths by combination of small size (wingspan under 26 mm), fine-lined or wing patterning, and geographic range east of the Mississippi River and south of Illinois and the District of Columbia. Specific wing pattern details not documented in available sources.
Images
Distribution
Eastern North America; recorded east of the Mississippi River and south of Illinois and the District of Columbia
Seasonality
active February through September, with peak activity May to August
Diet
Larvae feed on Chimaphila umbellata (pipsissewa) and Diospyros virginiana (common persimmon)
Host Associations
- Chimaphila umbellata - larval food plantEricaceae; commonly called pipsissewa or prince's pine
- Diospyros virginiana - larval food plantEbenaceae; common persimmon, native to eastern United States
More Details
Nomenclature
Authorship sometimes cited as Guenée, [1858] in some sources; original description 1857. Two in use reflect different interpretations of wing pattern: 'fine-lined gray ' emphasizes linear markings, ' gray moth' suggests feathery appearance.