Geina periscelidactylus/sheppardi

Geina periscelidactylus/sheppardi complex

Sort #: 751.11 | MPG #: 6091.11

Larval feeding type: G. sheppardi feeds in the flowers, whereas G. periscelidactylus feeds between spun leaves
Larval substrate: Vitis spp.* (Grape), Parthenocissus quinquemaculata (Virginia Creeper)
Phenology: Adult: 6/10 to 7/15 (17 records)

Comment: G. periscelidactylus and G. sheppardi cannot be reliably identified without dissection (although G. sheppardi is often darker). G. sheppardi larvae feed in grape flowers, whereas G. periscelidactylus is a leaf feeder. A third species, Sphenarches ontario is also a grape flower feeder and is similar to the Geina species. It can be distinguished by its smaller size (13-16mm, compared to 17-20mm) and the presence of dark scales between the white spot in the middle of the forewing and the cleft.

Status in MA (automated assessment): Widespread, fairly common
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1901
Last Year Reported: 2021

Distribution by County: Hampshire, Middlesex, Essex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket
Number of Records: 174