Modest Furcula Moth
Common NameModest Furcula Moth
Scientific NameFurcula modesta
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, white, grey
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, riparian areas, and habitats with host trees
Geographic RangeEastern and central North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host PlantsPopulus (poplar, aspen, cottonwood), Salix (willow)
Flight PeriodMay to August (often two broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with a humped back and a distinctive forked tail (furcula), feeding on poplar and willow leaves before pupating in a cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include the bold black and white/grey banding on the forewings, the dark, almost square-shaped patch on the thorax, and the robust body typical of prominent moths.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a striking black and white/grey pattern, featuring a broad dark band across the forewings and a prominent dark patch on the thorax.
