Indiscrete Cissusa Moth
Common NameIndiscrete Cissusa Moth
Scientific NameCissusa indiscreta
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyCatocalinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, grey, black
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, and areas with host trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsoak (Quercus spp.), maple (Acer spp.)
Flight PeriodApril to September (bivoltine in many areas)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae feed on deciduous trees, then pupate, likely in leaf litter or soil, before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive mottled brown and grey forewing pattern with small, scattered black dots along the leading edge and a dark, often indistinct, reniform spot. It can be confused with other *Cissusa* species, requiring careful examination of markings.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned forewings, displaying a mottled mix of brown, tan, and grey, accented by small black costal spots and a dark reniform spot. The hindwings are typically paler.
