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Salt Marsh Moth

Estigmene acrea

Estigmene acrea, commonly known as the Salt Marsh Moth, is a medium-sized moth found throughout much of North America. Its wingspan ranges from 1.4 to 2 inches, and its wings are white with black markings. The wings have a distinctive silver sheen that is most noticeable when the moth is in flight.

One interesting characteristic of this species is the presence of coremata on the males. These are long, hair-like appendages that can be inflated and are used to release pheromones during courtship to attract a female for reproduction. The coremata are yellow-orange in color and are also known as “hair pencils.”

The Salt Marsh Moth is also known for its ability to produce a clicking sound by rubbing its wings together. This behavior is thought to be a defense mechanism to startle predators. Another fun fact is that the larvae of this species are covered in spiky hairs that can cause skin irritation for some people.

Habitat
fields, farms, waste areas, open areas, marshes, prairies
Scientific Name
Estigmene acrea
Status
Common
Wing Span
45mm to 68mm
General Size
Average
Wing Color
yellow
yellow
white
white
Marking's Color
black
black
Markings Pattern
Spots

Characteristics describe the physical and behavioral traits that distinguish a species from others. This section helps readers identify and differentiate between similar species, aiding in species identification and reducing the chance of misidentification.

Identifying Characteristics

Male

  1. Dark yellow hindwings

  2. Small black spots on forewings

  3. orange/yellow abdomen with black spots

Identifying Characteristics

Female

  1. White hindwings with black spots on them

  2. Small black spots on forewings

  3. orange/yellow abdomen with black spots

The chart displays the months of the year on the x-axis and observations of a particular species on the y-axis, indicating the time of year when each species is most commonly observed. This chart can assist moth watchers and researchers in predicting the best times and locations to observe specific moth species.

A range map is a visual representation of a species' geographical distribution, and it helps naturalists and field researchers quickly determine if a species is likely to be found in a given area, aiding in identification, conservation, and habitat management efforts.