Lined Black Aspen Woodling
Common NameLined Black Aspen Woodling
Scientific NameIpimorpha pleonectusa
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyXyleninae
Wingspan (mm)32
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, riparian areas
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America, from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host PlantsPopulus tremuloides, Populus spp., Salix spp.
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of aspen, poplar, and willow trees. They pupate in the soil, and adults emerge in late summer.
Identification TipsLook for the variegated grey-brown forewings with a prominent, often pale or whitish, kidney-shaped (reniform) spot and a noticeable dark median line that may be wavy or jagged. The overall pattern resembles lichen or bark.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey and brown forewings, featuring a distinct pale reniform spot and a darker, often wavy median line. Its cryptic coloration provides excellent camouflage against tree bark.
