Diagonal Callistege
Common NameDiagonal Callistege
Scientific NameCallistege diagonalis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyCatocalinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorstan, dark brown, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, meadows, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America
Host Plantsclover, vetch, alfalfa, other legumes
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various leguminous plants. The species typically has multiple generations per year, with adults flying from late spring through early autumn.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the unique and striking diagonal dark bands on the forewings, which form a series of enclosed cells and triangles against the lighter ground color.
Description
A small moth with light tan or grayish-brown forewings featuring prominent, sharply defined dark brown to black diagonal bands and triangular markings, creating a distinctive geometric pattern. The hindwings are typically plainer.
