Wandering Brocade Moth
Common NameWandering Brocade Moth
Scientific NamePolia imbrifera
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgray, brown, white, black
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, shrublands
Geographic RangeEastern and central North America, from Newfoundland west to British Columbia, south to North Carolina and Arizona
Host Plantswillow, birch, aspen, blueberry, alder, cherry, currant
Flight PeriodLate May to early September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on various woody plants and shrubs. They pupate in the soil, and the species typically overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled gray-brown forewings with a 'brocade' texture, and the distinct white-rimmed reniform and orbicular spots.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled gray and brown forewings, featuring prominent white-rimmed reniform and orbicular spots, and wavy dark transverse lines.
