Identify Clymene Moth

This white flier has black markings that seem to form a cross on its wings. Are these unusual, or is this just a species that I'm not familiar with?

—Laurie LaFond, South Glens Falls, New York

Tom: This is a clymene moth (Haploa clymene), which is active at night. Its markings are very interesting, but also quite common. You probably don't recognize this flier because it's mostly out at night. Unfortunately, we miss out on a lot of beautiful moths like this one because of their nocturnal behavior. As a caterpillar, it feeds on eupatoriums, but also uses oaks, peaches and willows. So if you want to increase your chances of seeing this flier again, look near these plants.