Hazel Zale Moth
Common NameHazel Zale Moth
Scientific NameZale minera
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, cream
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Manitoba and Texas
Host Plantshazel, oak, birch, beech, maple
Flight PeriodApril to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are loopers that feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs, pupating in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive mottled brown and grey pattern with wavy transverse lines, the somewhat jagged outer margin of the forewings, and the overall cryptic appearance that mimics tree bark.
Description
A medium-sized moth with highly cryptic, mottled brown, grey, and cream forewings featuring intricate wavy lines and a somewhat jagged outer margin, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
