Intent Zale Moth
Common NameIntent Zale Moth
Scientific NameZale intentata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, tan
HabitatConiferous forests, mixed woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas
Host PlantsPine (Pinus spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are loopers (caterpillars) that feed on pine needles. They pupate in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the complex, cryptic pattern of dark brown and grey, the wavy transverse lines, and the distinct pale, kidney-shaped (reniform) spot on the forewing.
Description
This is a medium-sized moth with mottled dark brown and grey forewings featuring intricate wavy black lines and a prominent pale, often yellowish, reniform spot. The hindwings are typically a plainer dark grey-brown.
