Insect or Spider (unknown species) (various) on Jun 22, 2017

Originally reported as European Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar)

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

Let me start by stating that my level of expertise in this field is low and I only identified the moth the morning after I saw it and released it. I am somewhat confident in the accuracy of the description below, but it *is* reconstructed from memory, not direct observation at the time of writing. The moth was large and apparently an adult, approximately 4" to 5" across the wings (I didn't measure). It was earthy brown with some color texturing (spots). When it landed, it tended to spread its wings flat and outward with the tips in line with its head, not tucked at all. The antennae were feathery with a center stalk and slightly thinner hairs branching off in a regular pattern, like a feather or a leaf. The antennae were approximately 1/2" to 3/4" long and the branching hairs formed an ovaloid that was approximately 1/4" to 1/2" wide at the widest point. The body was fuzzy with little hairs. When it flew, it tended to fly upward toward the ceiling and not toward a distinct light source (for what it is worth, I tried shining a flashlight at and near it and it seemed indifferent to the light source and the spot of light that where it was being shown; it seemed to move toward the windows, which at the time were a dark contrast to the white ceilings). We saw it earlier in the day and thought it was dead on the window sill; it became active at night.

Commentary

Thank you for your submission. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to ID a moth without the specimen. If you have a chance to take an image that would help. However, considering the timing, I would say that it was not a Gypsy moth male. Also your description as a "large" moth does not apply to the male Gypsy moth. The female European GM does not fly and is not dark brown. Oregon Department of Agriculture is deploying thousands of GM traps in Oregon and we don't expect GM to be caught until the end of July, early August. Thank you and best regards,
Helmuth

Helmuth Rogg
June 28, 2017, 2:31 a.m.