Scops Witch Moth
Common NameScops Witch Moth
Scientific NameZale lunata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, white
HabitatWoodlands, forests, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantsmaple, willow, birch, elm, cherry, oak
Flight PeriodApril to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are loopers, camouflaged on host plants, and pupate in the soil. Multiple generations occur annually.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, mottled grey-brown wings, the distinctive D-shaped reniform spot on the forewings, and wavy banding on the hindwings.
Description
A large, cryptically patterned moth with mottled grey and brown forewings featuring a prominent dark, D-shaped spot, and hindwings with wavy dark and light bands.
