Faint Owl Moth
Common NameFaint Owl Moth
Scientific NameErebus macrops
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)120
Primary Colorsbeige, brown, black, grey
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, savannas
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa
Host PlantsAcacia, Albizia adianthifolia
Flight PeriodYear-round (in warmer regions), nocturnal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. Larvae feed on leguminous plants before pupating.
Identification TipsKey features include the prominent, large, kidney-shaped black eyespots on the forewings, each with a black swirl and a pale outline, and the broad black band across the forewings.
Description
A large, cryptically patterned moth with pale beige to brown forewings featuring a broad black band and distinctive large, kidney-shaped black eyespots outlined in yellow/orange. The hindwings are similarly patterned but often darker.
