Grote's Buff-tip
Common NameGrote's Buff-tip
Scientific NamePhalera grotei
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, buff, white
HabitatForests, woodlands, gardens, and areas with deciduous trees
Geographic RangeEast Asia, Southeast Asia (including India, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea)
Host PlantsQuercus, Salix, Betula, Acer, Prunus
Flight PeriodApril to November (multiple generations)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are often gregarious, feeding on the leaves of various deciduous trees, and are known for their striking coloration. Pupation typically occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include its remarkable resemblance to a broken twig when at rest, the mottled brown and gray forewings with a prominent buff tip, and the white tuft on the head/thorax.
Description
This medium-sized moth exhibits highly effective camouflage, with forewings mottled in shades of brown and gray, resembling a broken twig or bark, and a distinctive buff-colored patch at the wing apex. A prominent white tuft is visible on its head/thorax.
