Common Owl Moth
Common NameCommon Owl Moth
Scientific NameErebus macrops
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)120
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, orange, blue
HabitatForests, woodlands, often near rivers or streams
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia (e.g., India, Southeast Asia)
Host PlantsAcacia species
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, or warmer months in subtropical areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. Larvae feed on host plants, pupate, and emerge as nocturnal adults.
Identification TipsKey features include the large, circular, owl-like eyespots on the hindwings, which are typically blue-black with yellow-orange rings, and the overall bark-like cryptic coloration of the wings.
Description
A large, cryptically patterned moth with prominent, owl-like eyespots on its hindwings, which are often visible even at rest. Its wings are mottled with shades of brown, grey, and black, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
