Tufted Thyatirine Moth
Common NameTufted Thyatirine Moth
Scientific NamePseudothyatira cymatophoroides
FamilyThyatiridae
SubfamilyThyatirinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorswhite, grey, brown, black
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Newfoundland south to Florida, west to Manitoba and Texas
Host Plantsbirch, maple, oak, willow
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green or brownish and feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs. They pupate in a cocoon, often in leaf litter or soil.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled grey and white forewings with dark markings and the prominent raised tuft of scales on the forewing, which gives it a 'crumpled leaf' appearance when at rest.
Description
This moth has mottled grey and white forewings with irregular dark brown and black markings, including a distinctive raised tuft of scales near the base of the wing. Its body is stout and hairy.
