Latreille's Fern Moth
Common NameLatreille's Fern Moth
Scientific NameCallopistria latreillei
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyEustrotiinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, black, white, reddish-brown
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, areas with ferns
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and parts of the Americas (e.g., Florida, Caribbean)
Host Plantsferns (e.g., Pteridium aquilinum, Adiantum, Dryopteris, Nephrolepis)
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, year-round in tropical regions, summer/autumn in temperate zones
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various fern species, pupation occurs in a cocoon, likely in the soil or leaf litter, before emerging as the adult moth.
Identification TipsKey features include the intricate, mottled forewing pattern with distinct dark and light patches, often resembling a dead leaf, and the robust, hairy body typical of many noctuid moths.
Description
A small, robust moth with highly cryptic forewings featuring a complex, mottled pattern of dark brown, black, reddish-brown, and white/grey markings, providing excellent camouflage against bark or dead leaves.
