A noctuid moth, Cerapteryx graminis, with pale branched markings on the forewings (resembling antlers when the wings are spread), whose caterpillars can be highly destructive of meadow and pasture grasses.
Origin
Early 19th century.
Definition of antler moth in US English:
antler moth
noun
A noctuid moth, Cerapteryx graminis, with pale branched markings on the forewings (resembling antlers when the wings are spread), whose caterpillars can be highly destructive of meadow and pasture grasses.