Acontia coquillettii
Smith, 1900
bird dropping moth
Acontia coquillettii is a small noctuid native to western North America. It is characterized by its predominantly white forewings with distinctive grey and olive markings on the portion, a pattern that serves as camouflage resembling bird droppings. The species has been documented in California and Oregon, with specific records from the Snake River region in Malheur County. It is one of approximately 20 species in the Acontia found in North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acontia coquillettii: /əˈkɒn.ti.ə koʊ.kwɪˈlɛt.i.aɪ/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar Acontia by its pure white ground color combined with grey and olive markings restricted to the forewing. Closely resembles Enterpia laudeti in overall markings, requiring careful examination for separation. The specific pattern of distal marking concentration and the light hindwing fringe are key characters.
Images
Appearance
Small with forewing length of 9-10 mm. Forewings are pure white with grey and olive markings concentrated on the (outer) portion. Hindwings are grey with a light-colored fringe of marginal hairs. The overall wing pattern creates a bird-dropping mimicry appearance.
Habitat
Associated with riparian areas near the Snake River in Oregon and broadly distributed across California. Specific microhabitat preferences are not well documented.
Distribution
Western North America. Documented from Malheur County, Oregon (Snake River vicinity) and throughout much of California. GBIF records confirm presence in North America.
Behavior
. Attracted to artificial light sources, consistent with patterns observed in related noctuid .
Human Relevance
Assigned MONA/Hodges number 9163 in the North American numbering system, facilitating identification in regional faunal surveys.
Similar Taxa
- Enterpia laudetiClosely resembles A. coquillettii in overall wing markings and pattern; requires careful morphological examination to distinguish
- Other Acontia species contains approximately 20 North American , many with similar bird-dropping mimicry coloration
More Details
Taxonomic authority
Described by Smith in 1900
Collection records
iNaturalist documents 20 observations as of data compilation date