Canadian Owlet
Common NameCanadian Owlet
Scientific NameAcronicta canadensis
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcronictinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, tan
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsmaple, birch, elm, oak, hickory
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy and feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees. They pupate in a cocoon, often incorporating wood fragments, and overwinter as pupae.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown and grey cryptic coloration, prominent raised tufts of scales on the thorax and forewings, and a generally 'rough' texture that helps it blend with tree bark.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a highly cryptic, mottled brown and grey pattern, featuring distinctive raised tufts of scales on its thorax and forewings, giving it a rough, bark-like appearance.
