Green-dusted Zale Moth
Common NameGreen-dusted Zale Moth
Scientific NameZale aeruginosa
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, green
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, willow
Flight PeriodApril to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are loopers that feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees. They pupate in the soil or leaf litter, typically having one or two generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive green dusting on the dark, mottled forewings, which creates a cryptic, lichen-like camouflage. The wavy transverse lines are also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized moth with dark, mottled forewings featuring patches of bright green scales, giving it a lichen-like appearance. It has wavy brown and black lines across the wings.
