Horrid Zale Moth
Common NameHorrid Zale Moth
Scientific NameZale horrida
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsdark grey, black, cream, light brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Texas and Manitoba
Host Plantsmaple, birch, oak, cherry
Flight PeriodApril to September (often bivoltine)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are loopers that feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees. Pupation occurs in the soil or leaf litter, and adults emerge in spring and summer, typically having two broods per year.
Identification TipsLook for the dark, mottled forewings with a distinctive wavy, pale subterminal line and a lighter outer margin. The rough, tufted appearance of the thorax and forewings is characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized moth with dark, mottled forewings that appear rough or 'horrid' due to raised scales and tufts. It features a prominent, wavy, pale subterminal line and a lighter, often creamy-brown outer margin.
