Leaf-mimic Moth or Dead-leaf Moth (Pupa)
Scientific Name: Likely a species within the Family Geometridae or Noctuidae (Pupa)
Order & Family: Lepidoptera, Geometridae or Noctuidae (Pupa)
Size: Typically 1-3 cm in length, depending on the moth species.
Natural Habitat
Found in various terrestrial environments where their host plants are present, often camouflaged among dead leaves or plant debris.
Diet & Feeding
As a pupa, it does not feed. The larval stage (caterpillar) typically feeds on leaves of specific host plants, while adult moths may feed on nectar or not at all.
Behavior Patterns
The pupa is an inactive developmental stage. Its primary behavior is an impressive display of camouflage, mimicking a dead or dried leaf, which helps it avoid predation. It remains still and can hang from a silk thread or be found on the ground or host plant.
Risks & Benefits
No direct risks to humans from the pupa. As an adult, some species can be considered agricultural pests if their larvae feed on cultivated plants, while others are important pollinators. They are a food source for birds and other insectivores and contribute to biodiversity.
Identified on: 9/19/2025