Litocala Moth
Common NameLitocala Moth
Scientific NameLitocala sexsignata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, yellow
HabitatOak woodlands, chaparral, dry forests, canyons
Geographic RangeWestern North America (primarily California, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona)
Host PlantsQuercus spp. (oaks)
Flight PeriodApril to July (sometimes a second brood in late summer/early fall)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on oak leaves, pupate in the soil or leaf litter, and adults emerge in spring/early summer. It typically overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the cryptic grey-brown forewings and the two distinct yellow-cream spots on each dark hindwing, which are often visible even when the moth is at rest.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey-brown forewings providing excellent camouflage, and striking dark hindwings featuring two prominent yellow-cream spots on each wing, bordered by a white fringe.
