Melipotis novanda
Common NameMelipotis novanda
Scientific NameMelipotis novanda
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, reddish-brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, scrublands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthern United States, Mexico, Central America, South America
Host PlantsProsopis, Acacia, various woody legumes
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, active year-round in tropical regions, spring to fall in temperate areas
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar) feeding on woody legumes, pupa, and adult moth. Pupation often occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the complex, mottled brown and grey forewing pattern with dark wavy lines and a prominent, often kidney-shaped, reniform spot. The overall cryptic coloration helps it blend with tree bark.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned forewings, mottled in shades of brown, grey, and black, featuring intricate wavy lines and a distinct reniform spot. The hindwings are typically paler with a darker subterminal band.
