Glena plumosaria
(Packard, 1874)
dainty gray moth, plumose gray moth, dainty gray
Glena plumosaria is a small geometrid found in eastern North America, commonly known as the dainty gray moth or plumose gray moth. The exhibits in forewing length, with males measuring 13–14 mm and females approximately 16 mm. are active from March through October across their range. The species was first described by Packard in 1874 under the basionym Cymatophora plumosaria.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Glena plumosaria: //ˈɡleɪ.nə ˌpluː.məˈsɛə.ri.ə//
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Identification
Forewing length of 13–16 mm distinguishes this from larger geometrid . The combination of small size, gray coloration, and eastern North American distribution helps separate it from western Glena species. Sexual size dimorphism (males smaller than females) is a notable trait. The (feathery) quality referenced in the may relate to or scaling, though this requires verification.
Images
Distribution
Eastern United States: recorded from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. GBIF records confirm presence in North America.
Seasonality
active March to October
Similar Taxa
- Other Glena speciesWestern North American Glena overlap in general appearance but are geographically separated; G. plumosaria is restricted to eastern states
More Details
Nomenclature
Originally described as Cymatophora plumosaria Packard, 1874; later transferred to Glena. The specific epithet 'plumosaria' derives from Latin 'plumosus' (feathery/), referenced in the 'plumose gray moth'.