Western Red-Humped Caterpillar Moth
Common NameWestern Red-Humped Caterpillar Moth
Scientific NameSchizura occidentalis
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)37.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, reddish-brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, riparian areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south to California, and east to Alberta, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico
Host Plantswillow, poplar, aspen, birch, alder, oak, apple, cherry
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are distinctive, typically green or brown with a prominent reddish hump on the eighth abdominal segment and a smaller hump on the fifth. They pupate in leaf litter or soil and overwinter as pupae.
Identification TipsAdults are identified by their mottled brown and reddish-brown forewings and robust, hairy appearance. The most definitive identification feature is the larva, with its characteristic reddish hump on the posterior abdomen.
Description
A robust, medium-sized moth with a hairy, dark greyish-brown body and mottled brown to reddish-brown forewings that are held tent-like over the body at rest.
