Small mottled rufous
Common NameSmall mottled rufous
Scientific NameElaphria subobliqua
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)22.5
Primary Colorsbrown, dark brown, white
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, mixed forests
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, willow, cherry
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on the foliage of various deciduous trees and shrubs. The species typically has multiple broods per year and overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the mottled brown forewings, the dark, triangular median area, the pale wavy subterminal line, and the two distinct white reniform spots. The overall pattern provides excellent camouflage against tree bark.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled brown forewings featuring a prominent dark, somewhat triangular median area, often outlined by a pale, wavy subterminal line and two distinct white reniform spots.
