Merrick's Semioscopis
Common NameMerrick's Semioscopis
Scientific NameSemioscopis merrickella
FamilyDepressariidae
SubfamilyDepressariinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Primary Colorswhite, brown, black, grey
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Quebec and Ontario south to Florida and west to Manitoba, Minnesota, and Mississippi.
Host Plantsmaple, birch, oak, willow
Flight PeriodMarch to April (early spring)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on leaves of various deciduous trees. Adults are among the earliest moths to emerge in spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its mottled silvery-white and brown forewings with characteristic dark brown markings, often forming a 'W' or 'M' shape near the base. Its early spring flight period is also a key identifier.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled silvery-white, brown, and black forewings, featuring prominent dark brown markings that often form a distinct pattern near the base, and scattered dark spots towards the outer margin.
