Lunate Zale Moth

Natural Habitat

Deciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, gardens, and suburban areas across North America.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on the foliage of many woody plants including maple, oak, willow, and cherry. Adults feed on nectar and fermenting fruit.

Behavior Patterns

They are primarily nocturnal and highly cryptic, resembling tree bark or dead leaves to avoid predation. They have multiple generations per year in the southern parts of their range.

Risks & Benefits

They pose no risk to humans. As caterpillars, they are part of the food web for birds; as adults, they contribute to pollination and are indicators of ecosystem health.

Identified on: 6/16/2026