Dark Marathyssa Moth
Common NameDark Marathyssa Moth
Scientific NameMarathyssa inficita
FamilyEuteliidae
SubfamilyEuteliinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, reddish-brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, shrublands
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host PlantsSumac (Rhus spp.)
Flight PeriodApril to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with white stripes, feeding on sumac leaves. They pupate in a cocoon, typically on the host plant or in leaf litter, before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive cryptic pattern of grey, brown, and reddish-brown on the forewings, the somewhat jagged outer margin of the forewings, and its association with sumac plants.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey and brown forewings, often featuring reddish-brown patches and dark wavy lines, providing excellent camouflage.
