A Plume Moth On Common Milkweed

June 15, 2026

A Grape Plume Moth (Geina periscelidactylus).

A moth that I often see on Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), making me think of a huge creature from the Mesozoic Era along with dinosaurs, though in real life they have a tiny wing span of about .63 inches.

This moth is native to North America and is often seen in the eastern portion of the continent. Larvae will fold and web together edges of tender leaves, creating a home for themselves. Here in this home they will eat the upper portions of Grape (Vitis) and Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) leaves.

This adult stage is active in June and July.

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Published by

Brenda Clements Jones

Brenda is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, a Habitat Defender for Shenandoah National Park, and a devoted fan of Mother Nature. She lives in a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Shenandoah National Park, and hikes up to the higher elevations of her mountain often to see what nature is up to. Her constant hiking companion is a camera that captures nature as it unfolds through the seasons. It’s her goal to share the natural world around her through her photographs.

One thought on “A Plume Moth On Common Milkweed”

  1. We won’t see Milkweed until mid to late Julyin Maine, but I will try to remember to look for this species.
    Leigh

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