Didugua argentilinea

Distinguished from similar notodontid moths by the combination of silvery-white longitudinal forewing stripe and overall gray coloration without strong contrasting patterns. Resembles some Nadata species but lacks the reddish or brownish tones common in that genus. The prominent silver line is more distinct than in related Didugua species. Larvae, if encountered, have distinctive tufted projections and coloration differing from other prominent moth caterpillars.

Adults exhibit silver-gray forewings with a prominent silvery-white longitudinal line running from base to apex, bordered by darker gray shading. Hindwings are pale gray to whitish with minimal patterning. The body is robust and densely hairy, matching the forewing coloration. Wingspan ranges approximately 35–45 mm. Antennae are bipectinate in males, less so in females.

Deciduous and mixed forests, particularly areas with oak and hickory. Found in woodland edges, suburban parks, and riparian corridors with mature hardwood trees. Elevation range extends from lowlands to lower montane zones.

Eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Canada (Ontario, Quebec) through the eastern United States to Texas and Florida. Absent from the far western United States and most of the Great Plains.

Adults are active from late spring through summer, with peak flight typically in May–July depending on latitude. Single brooded in northern portions of range; possible partial second brood in southern regions. Overwinters as pupa in soil or leaf litter.

Complete metamorphosis with four stages: egg, larva, pupa, adult. Larvae feed on foliage of hardwood trees, particularly oaks (Quercus) and hickories (Carya). Pupation occurs in a loose cocoon in soil or concealed in leaf litter. Adults do not feed.

Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. Males are active fliers and may be detected by their erratic flight patterns near forest edges. Females deposit eggs singly or in small groups on host plant leaves. Larvae are solitary feeders and rest along leaf midribs or twigs when not feeding.

Larvae function as primary consumers in deciduous forest ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling through herbivory on oak and hickory foliage. Adults serve as prey for nocturnal insectivores including bats and night-foraging birds. Pupae are subject to predation by ground-foraging vertebrates and invertebrates.

Occasional minor pest of ornamental oaks and hickories, though outbreaks are rare and damage is typically insignificant. Attracted to outdoor lighting, where it may be encountered by homeowners. Of interest to lepidopterists and naturalists due to its distinctive appearance.

• Nadata gibbosaSimilar size and gray coloration, but lacks the prominent silvery longitudinal line; forewings more uniformly colored with subtle patterning only.
• Didugua pectinataCongeneric species with overlapping range; distinguished by less distinct wing lines and generally darker, more brownish-gray coloration.
• Lochmaeus manteoAnother notodontid with gray forewings, but exhibits more complex patterning with multiple wavy transverse lines rather than a single prominent longitudinal stripe.

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life