Crepuscular Owl Moth
Common NameCrepuscular Owl Moth
Scientific NameErebus crepuscularis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)140
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, often near human settlements
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, and parts of Australia
Host PlantsAcacia, Albizia, Cassia, Eucalyptus, Ficus, Mangifera, Shorea, Terminalia
Flight PeriodYear-round (in tropical regions), nocturnal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are stout caterpillars that feed on a variety of trees and shrubs before pupating.
Identification TipsLook for its impressive size, the dark overall coloration, and especially the large, dark forewing eyespots with the C-shaped internal marking, distinguishing it from other large nocturnal moths.
Description
A very large, dark brown to black moth characterized by prominent, dark eyespots on its forewings, each containing a distinct C-shaped mark. Its hindwings display a wavy subterminal line punctuated by small white spots.
