Zebra Caterpillar Moth
Common NameZebra Caterpillar Moth
Scientific NameMelanchra picta
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, dark brown, reddish-brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, gardens, disturbed areas, agricultural lands
Geographic RangeNorth America, from southern Canada to the southern United States
Host Plantscabbage, broccoli, lettuce, clover, dandelion, plantain, various garden vegetables, some woody plants
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larva, known as the zebra caterpillar, is distinctive with black and yellow stripes and a red head, and is a polyphagous feeder on a wide variety of plants.
Identification TipsAdult moths are generally brown and mottled, making them somewhat variable. Identification often relies on the distinctive zebra-striped caterpillar. The adult forewings have a somewhat rough, textured appearance with indistinct darker markings.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled reddish-brown and dark brown forewings, often appearing somewhat streaky or banded, and a fuzzy brown body.
