Broken Leaf Moth
Common NameBroken Leaf Moth
Scientific NamePhyllodesma americana
FamilyLasiocampidae
SubfamilyGastropachinae
Wingspan (mm)48
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, shrublands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsoak, birch, maple, willow, poplar, cherry, alder
Flight PeriodMay to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy and feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs. They pupate in a cocoon, typically overwintering in this stage.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the highly irregular, wavy wing margins and the mottled grey-brown coloration, which gives it a striking resemblance to a dead or broken leaf.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, irregularly shaped wings that are mottled grey and brown, expertly mimicking a dead or broken leaf. The wing margins are distinctly wavy and notched.
