Montana Royal Moth
Common NameMontana Royal Moth
Scientific NameSyssphinx montana
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilyCeratocampinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, pink, yellow, tan
HabitatDry oak woodlands, pine-oak woodlands, chaparral
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas), Mexico
Host PlantsQuercus emoryi, Quercus arizonica, Quercus spp.
Flight PeriodMay to July (sometimes a second brood in late summer)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green or brown, spiny, and feed on oak leaves. Pupation occurs in the soil. Adults are nocturnal and short-lived, not feeding.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of tan/orange forewings with two dark wavy lines and a white spot, paired with prominent pinkish-red hindwings. The furry yellow-orange thorax is also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a furry yellowish-orange body, tan to orange forewings marked with two distinct dark wavy lines and a small white discal spot, and striking pinkish-red hindwings with a darker band.
