Speyer's Hooded Owlet
Common NameSpeyer's Hooded Owlet
Scientific NameCucullia speyeri
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyCuculliinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, white, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, disturbed areas, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America
Host Plantsasters, goldenrods, various Asteraceae
Flight PeriodMay to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, and the larvae feed on the leaves of asters and goldenrods. Caterpillars then pupate in the soil, overwintering before emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsLook for the slender body and long, narrow, cryptically patterned grey and white forewings. A key feature is the dark 'hood' or patch on the thorax, and the moth often rests with its wings tightly wrapped around its body.
Description
This is a medium-sized moth characterized by its slender body and long, narrow forewings. Its wings are predominantly mottled grey and white with fine black streaks, featuring a distinctive dark patch near the thorax that aids in camouflage.
