Saddled Prominent
Common NameSaddled Prominent
Scientific NameHeterocampa guttivitta
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)42
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgreen, grey, brown
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Minnesota
Host Plantsmaple, oak, birch, beech, cherry, hickory
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with a distinctive pale 'saddle' marking on their back, feeding on tree leaves before pupating in the soil over winter.
Identification TipsKey features include the cryptic green-grey-brown mottled forewings and a prominent tuft of hair on the thorax. The larval stage is identifiable by its green body and pale saddle mark.
Description
A medium-sized moth with a stout, hairy body and forewings mottled in shades of green, grey, and brown, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
