Unicorn Prominent
Common NameUnicorn Prominent
Scientific NameSpatalina unicornis
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)37.5
Primary Colorsbrown, green, white, black, reddish-brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, elm, willow, cherry, apple, hawthorn, dogwood, hazelnut
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are distinctive, featuring a prominent horn on the eighth abdominal segment and often a saddle-like marking, feeding on various deciduous trees before pupating in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the highly camouflaged forewings with a mix of green, brown, and reddish-brown, and the prominent, shaggy thoracic tufts. The larval stage is easily identified by its 'unicorn horn' on the abdomen.
Description
This moth has a robust, hairy body and forewings with a highly cryptic pattern of mottled brown, green, white, and reddish-brown patches, designed for camouflage against tree bark.
