Cruel Toxonprucha
Common NameCruel Toxonprucha
Scientific NameToxonprucha crudelis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, greenish-bronze
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, suburban areas
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (Maryland south to Florida, west to Texas and Oklahoma)
Host Plantsoak
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. Larvae are cryptic and feed on oak leaves.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled brown and grey forewings with wavy transverse lines, a dark median band, and the characteristic triangular resting posture. The subtle greenish-bronze sheen on the hindwings can also be a clue.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown and grey forewings featuring prominent wavy dark lines and a distinct median band. The hindwings show a similar pattern with a subtle greenish-bronze iridescence.
