Ponometia virginalis

(Grote, 1881)

Virgin Bird-Dropping Moth

Ponometia virginalis is a small commonly known as the Virgin Bird-Dropping . The is named for its resemblance to bird droppings, a form of . It occurs across western and central North America from Texas to Wyoming and west to Arizona. The measure approximately 10 mm in length.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ponometia virginalis: //ˌpoʊ.nəˈmiː.ʃə vɜr.dʒəˈneɪ.lɪs//

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Identification

The length of approximately 10 mm distinguishes it from larger bird-dropping mimics. The Virgin Bird-Dropping can be separated from similar Ponometia by geographic range and subtle pattern differences, though precise identification may require examination of .

Distribution

Eastern Texas to Nebraska, west to eastern Arizona in the south, and to Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming in the west.

Similar Taxa

  • Ponometia semiflavaSimilar bird-dropping appearance; occurs in overlapping range and requires careful examination to distinguish
  • Ponometia elegantulaAnother small bird-dropping in the same with comparable size and cryptic coloration

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