Colorful Zale Moth
Common NameColorful Zale Moth
Scientific NameZale minerea
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyCatocalinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, dark brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, mixed woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas
Host Plantsmaple, birch, oak, elm, cherry
Flight PeriodApril to September (typically April-July in north, two broods possible in south)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are loopers, feeding on various deciduous trees. They pupate in the soil or leaf litter, and adults are nocturnal.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its rich reddish-brown to orange-brown forewing ground color, intricate wavy dark lines, and often a prominent dark reniform spot. The overall pattern provides excellent camouflage against tree bark.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, somewhat triangular forewings displaying a complex, mottled pattern of reddish-brown, orange-brown, and darker brown, often with wavy transverse lines.
