Elegant Prominent
Common NameElegant Prominent
Scientific NameOdontosia elegans
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba
Host Plantsbirch, beech, oak
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with pale stripes, feeding on the leaves of host trees. They pupate in a cocoon in leaf litter or soil.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled grey-brown forewings with a pale, wavy subterminal line and a distinct pale hind margin. The prominent dorsal tuft (crest) on the thorax is a key identifying feature.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey and brown forewings, often featuring a pale, wavy subterminal line and a distinct pale hind margin. It has a prominent dorsal crest on the thorax.
