We have had a nice warm up, and our first moth in the house in months. I used the iNaturalist app to identify it. I do like this app, and as more people add observations, the better it gets. The first hit on this image was a moth observed mostly in Europe, which was not quite right. But down the list I found an image that matched with a corresponding observed area.

The Brown-shaded Gray Moth’s scientific name is Anacamptodes defectaria. My sister, a PhD in ancient history, tells me that “Anacampo” in Greek means “return”, and “Defectus” in Latin means “falling away”. According to Wikipedia, it does take wing February to November, and the larva feed on oak, poplar, sweet cherry and willow (we have many oak trees). It is also very difficult to find these moths when they are perched on tree bark.

Now I have to admit, I am guessing the species of this moth. I certainly didn’t closely examine the genitalia of the moth as suggested by this article from 1966 as the most definitive way to classify Anacamptodes. (Thank you again to my sister for unearthing the article.)

How do I personally feel about moths? I love the lacy pattern on the wings. Quite lovely.