Marbled-green Leuconycta Moth
Common NameMarbled-green Leuconycta Moth
Scientific NameLeuconycta diphteroides
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyPantheinae
Wingspan (mm)33
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgreen, black, brown
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas
Host Plantsmaple, birch, oak, willow, linden
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees, pupation occurs in a cocoon, and the species typically overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the distinctive bright green and black marbled pattern on the forewings, which mimics lichen or moss, and the prominent green patches interspersed with black lines.
Description
This moth displays forewings intricately patterned with mottled shades of bright green, dark brown, and black, creating a highly cryptic, lichen-like appearance. The hindwings are typically paler and less patterned.
