Snowy Swallowtail Moth
Common NameSnowy Swallowtail Moth
Scientific NameOurapteryx nivea
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorswhite, orange, black
HabitatForests, woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeEast Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Russian Far East)
Host PlantsPrunus, Malus, Salix, Betula, Quercus
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are twig mimics, camouflaged to blend with branches, and feed on various broadleaf trees before pupating.
Identification TipsKey features include the pure white coloration, the unique 'swallowtail' shape of the hindwings with their orange-brown and black-spotted tips, and the faint transverse lines across the wings.
Description
A medium-sized, pure white moth with distinctive pointed hindwings that feature an orange-brown margin and two small black spots at each tip, resembling a swallowtail butterfly. Faint brownish lines cross the wings.
