Tarsolepis japonica
Common NameTarsolepis japonica
Scientific NameTarsolepis japonica
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsbrown, white, dark brown
HabitatForests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEast Asia (Japan, Korea, China)
Host PlantsQuercus, Acer, Betula, Fagus
Flight PeriodJune to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae feed on the leaves of various broadleaf trees, then pupate, often in the soil or leaf litter, before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive, irregular white saddle-shaped marking on the brown forewings and the characteristic 'prominent' resting posture with raised scales on the thorax.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptic brown and tan forewings featuring a striking, irregular white patch outlined in dark brown, giving it a saddle-like appearance. Its resting posture often makes it appear 'humped' due to raised thoracic scales.
