Whaleback Moth
Common NameWhaleback Moth
Scientific NameLithophane oriunda
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyXyleninae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, black, tan
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba, and south to Florida and Texas
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, willow, cherry
Flight PeriodSeptember to November (fall brood), March to May (spring brood after overwintering)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesAdults emerge in the fall, overwinter, and become active again in early spring to mate and lay eggs. Larvae feed through late spring and summer, then pupate in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for its intricate, bark-like forewing pattern, often with a prominent dark basal dash and a distinct reniform spot outlined in pale color. The overall coloration is a mix of dark brown, black, and pale grey/tan.
Description
A medium-sized moth with robust body and forewings displaying a complex, mottled pattern of dark brown, black, and pale greyish-tan patches, providing excellent camouflage.
