Dogwood Thyatirid

Euthyatira pudens

May 5, 2010

This little mimic of a bird dropping once had its own family of Thyatiridae (hence the common name of Thyatirid).  Now it's been punted to the Drepanidae (Hooktip) family.  Family Thyatiridae has been demoted to the subfamily Thyatirinae - common name -  "False Owlet Moths".

So, um..., is "Thyatirid" now somewhat of a misnomer?

It does have a Noctuidae (owlet moth) look to it - big hairy thorax, deltoidish shape.  I suppose this is a lesson on how small a role outward appearance can play in taxonomy.

These moths are common in my area.  I have plenty of their larval hostplant (dogwood and oak) available.