Polydesma boarmoides
Common NamePolydesma boarmoides
Scientific NamePolydesma boarmoides
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, cultivated areas
Geographic RangeAfrica, Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia), Australia
Host PlantsAcacia, Albizia, Cassia, Dalbergia, Pterocarpus, Mangifera indica
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions (multivoltine)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on leaves, and pupation typically occurs in a cocoon, leading to nocturnal adult moths.
Identification TipsKey features include the highly cryptic, mottled grey-brown forewings with their complex wavy patterns and a distinct dark, often jagged, subterminal line. The overall appearance provides excellent camouflage against tree bark.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptic, mottled grey-brown forewings featuring intricate wavy dark lines and a prominent dark band near the termen, with paler hindwings often obscured at rest.
