White-headed Prominent
Common NameWhite-headed Prominent
Scientific NameSymmerista albifrons
FamilyNotodontidae
SubfamilyNotodontinae
Wingspan (mm)42.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsoak, maple, birch, beech, elm
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are often yellow with black stripes and a red head, feeding gregariously on host tree leaves before pupating in leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive white patch on the inner margin of the forewing and the mottled grey-brown coloration. The resting posture with wings folded tent-like is also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled grey and brown forewings, characterized by a prominent white patch along the inner margin, often with a reddish-brown head and thorax.
