Carbon Pataeta Moth
Common NameCarbon Pataeta Moth
Scientific NamePataeta carbo
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark brown, grey, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, orchards
Geographic RangeSouth and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsMangifera indica, Rhus spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are caterpillars that feed on specific host plants like mango and sumac before pupating and emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive dark, mottled forewing pattern with wavy lines, its triangular resting posture, and its presence in tropical Asian forests, particularly near mango or sumac trees.
Description
This is a medium-sized moth with dark, mottled forewings displaying a cryptic pattern of wavy transverse lines in shades of dark brown, grey, and black, allowing it to blend into tree bark.
