Geina periscelidactylus

(Fitch, 1854)
Grape Plume Moth

Sort #: 751 | P3 #: 460062 | MPG #: 6091 | PFG Page #: 126
View on BugGuide | View on iNaturalist | BOLD Link

Larval feeding type: Between leaves spun together
Larval substrate: Vitis spp.* (Grape), Parthenocissus quinquemaculata (Virginia Creeper)
Phenology: Larva: 5/19 to 6/08 (15 records); Adult: 6/21 to 7/16 (6 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 and the presence of dark scales between the white spot in the middle of the forewing and the cleft.

Status in MA (automated assessment): Fairly widespread, fairly common
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1923
Last Year Reported: 2022

Distribution by County: Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Barnstable
Number of Records: 25