Beautiful Marathyssa Moth
Common NameBeautiful Marathyssa Moth
Scientific NameMarathyssa inficita
FamilyEuteliidae
SubfamilyEuteliinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, white, reddish-brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, areas with sumac and poison ivy
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantssumac, poison ivy
Flight PeriodMay to September (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of sumac and poison ivy. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, often among leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive reddish-brown and white pattern on the forewings, particularly the broad, irregular white band and the white patches at the apex and tornus. Its resting posture often mimics a dead leaf.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled reddish-brown forewings featuring prominent white markings, including a broad, irregular median band and white patches at the wing tips and inner margin.
