Four-spotted Ghost Moth
Common NameFour-spotted Ghost Moth
Scientific NameHepialus quadriguttatus
FamilyHepialidae
SubfamilyHepialinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsorange-brown, light brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, clearings, meadows
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America
Host Plantsbirch, willow, poplar, bracken fern
Flight PeriodMay to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are subterranean root feeders, developing over multiple years. Adults are short-lived and do not feed.
Identification TipsLook for its robust, hairy body, mottled reddish-brown forewings with often faint pale spots, and the characteristic short antennae and lack of proboscis typical of Hepialidae.
Description
A robust, medium-sized moth with a hairy, orange-brown body and forewings mottled with shades of reddish-brown and lighter tan, often featuring faint pale spots.
