Hologram Moth
Common NameHologram Moth
Scientific NameMacrocilix maia
FamilyDrepanidae
SubfamilyDrepaninae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsyellow, brown, black, cream
HabitatSubtropical and temperate forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEast Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, India, Nepal, Vietnam)
Host PlantsQuercus
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar) feeding on oak leaves, pupa, and adult moth. Larvae are typically cryptic.
Identification TipsThe incredibly distinctive and complex 'holographic' pattern on the forewings, mimicking an owl's face with prominent dark spots and intricate lines, makes this moth almost unmistakable.
Description
This moth is famous for its forewing pattern, which strikingly resembles a 3D image of an owl's head or a pair of eyes, featuring shades of yellow, brown, black, and cream.
