White Furcula Moth
Common NameWhite Furcula Moth
Scientific NameFurcula borealis
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorswhite, black, brown, orange
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, riparian areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Manitoba and south to Florida and Texas
Host Plantswillow, poplar, birch
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with a distinctive saddle-like marking and two prominent, modified anal prolegs resembling 'tails'. They pupate in a cocoon on the bark of their host plants.
Identification TipsLook for the unique white and black mottled pattern on the forewings with reddish-brown outlining, and the prominent blackish 'saddle' on the white thorax.
Description
A medium-sized moth with white forewings featuring broad, irregular blackish-brown bands and patches, often edged with reddish-brown or orange. The thorax is white with a prominent blackish-brown saddle-like patch.
