Lifted Owlet
Common NameLifted Owlet
Scientific NameAcronicta impleta
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcronictinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba
Host Plantsmaple, oak, birch, willow, poplar, elm, cherry
Flight PeriodApril to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy caterpillars, typically grey or brown with tufts of hair, feeding on various deciduous trees. They pupate in a cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled grey-brown forewings with wavy black lines, a prominent black basal dash, and the small, contrasting white and black spots (orbicular and reniform) on the forewings. The overall cryptic pattern helps it blend with tree bark.
Description
This is a medium-sized moth with mottled grey and brown forewings, featuring intricate wavy black lines and a distinct black basal dash. It has small, contrasting white and black spots on the forewings.
