Morbid Owlet
Common NameMorbid Owlet
Scientific NamePhalaenostoma morbidalis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHerminiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorslight brown, tan, dark brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantsdead leaves, decaying plant matter
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves and decaying plant matter on the forest floor. They typically overwinter as larvae.
Identification TipsKey features include the drab, light brown to tan coloration with two distinct, wavy dark lines across the forewings. The overall shape and relatively long labial palps (snout-like) are characteristic of this species and subfamily.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with a cryptic pattern of light brown to tan wings, featuring two wavy, darker brown transverse lines and a small discal spot on the forewings.
