Gray Hooded Owlet
Common NameGray Hooded Owlet
Scientific NameCucullia florea
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyCuculliinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgray, brown, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, disturbed areas, gardens
Geographic RangeNorth America (eastern and central parts)
Host Plantsgoldenrod, aster
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with white stripes and feed on the flowers and seeds of various Asteraceae. They pupate in the soil over winter.
Identification TipsLook for the prominent, pointed 'hood' of scales and the streaky, cryptic forewing pattern that often includes a pale streak along the costa. The overall slender body shape is also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a distinctive pointed 'hood' of scales over its head and thorax. Its forewings are mottled with shades of gray, brown, and white streaks, providing excellent camouflage against bark or dead wood.
