Florida Fern Moth
Common NameFlorida Fern Moth
Scientific NameCallopistria floridensis
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyCondicinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown, dark brown
HabitatMoist woodlands, swamps, gardens, and other areas with abundant ferns
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina), extending into the Caribbean and Central/South America
Host PlantsPteridium aquilinum, Polypodium, Adiantum, Dryopteris
Flight PeriodYear-round in Florida; multiple broods from spring to fall in other parts of its range
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green or brown and feed on the fronds of various fern species. Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter, and the species has multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its intricate forewing pattern featuring dark brown patches, reddish-brown ground color, and often a prominent pale, wavy subterminal line. The overall 'fern-like' or 'dead leaf' camouflage is characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized moth with forewings displaying a complex, mottled pattern of reddish-brown, dark brown, and pale markings, giving it a cryptic, dead-leaf appearance.
