Shadowed Zaleops
Common NameShadowed Zaleops
Scientific NameZaleops umbrifascia
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, black, grey
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas)
Host Plantsoak (Quercus spp.)
Flight PeriodApril to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are semi-loopers that feed on the leaves of oak trees. Pupation typically occurs in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its intricate, cryptic pattern of dark and light wavy lines, particularly the prominent dark reniform spot and the jagged postmedial line on the forewings. The hindwings are typically a plainer dark brown.
Description
A medium-sized moth with forewings displaying a complex, mottled pattern of dark brown, black, and pale greyish-brown wavy lines and bands, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
