Black Zale Moth
Common NameBlack Zale Moth
Scientific NameZale calamata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark gray, black, brown
HabitatConiferous and mixed woodlands, forests
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Texas and Manitoba.
Host Plantspine (Pinus spp.), Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)
Flight PeriodApril to September (two broods in the south)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are loopers (inchworms) that feed on pine needles. They pupate in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark, bark-like camouflage, wavy transverse lines across the wings, and a somewhat jagged outer wing margin. The overall dark coloration and specific wing pattern help differentiate it from other Zale species.
Description
A medium-sized moth with dark, mottled gray-black wings featuring wavy transverse lines, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
