Spear-marked Black Moth

Saw a different flying thing yesterday and asked for assistance in identifying it. With a little help from my friends, I now know this is a Spear-marked Black Moth. Note the spears in the pattern.

I thought the body seemed large for a butterfly, but the unique markings seemed strange for a moth.

This moth is only about one-half inch in size, very small. Yet, it can be very destructive to birch trees. Common in all of North America, they appear in abundance about every 17 years and are not particularly welcome. I added this moth to my butterfly page.

Found on Blackhead Road near the village of Blackhead.