Shadowy Arches
Common NameShadowy Arches
Scientific NameHabrosyne scripta
FamilyDrepanidae
SubfamilyThyatirinae
Wingspan (mm)34
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatDeciduous and mixed woodlands, forests, riparian areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Newfoundland west to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas
Host Plantsbirch, alder, hazel, willow
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plant leaves. Larvae are green or brown, feeding on leaves, and pupate in a cocoon among leaf litter or in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive 'script-like' or arching dark markings on the forewings, especially the prominent dark reniform spot and wavy postmedial line. The overall mottled grey-brown coloration provides excellent camouflage against tree bark.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey-brown forewings featuring intricate, wavy dark brown and black lines and patches, giving it a bark-like, cryptic appearance. The hindwings are plain grey-brown.
