Moths That Look Like Dead Leaves

Dead-Leaf Moth

• Dead-leaf moths, Oxytenis modestia, are golden yellow with varying shades of brown. The wingspan is approximately 2.3 centimeters. Markings that re-create leaf veins run from the tips of the fore wings to the hind wings. The head and legs are on the underside of the body. Dead-leaf moths' color changes according to the season, shifting from a lighter brown color like that of dry leaves to darker brown similar to wet, decomposing leaves.

Decorated Owlet Moth

• Pangrapta decoralis, or the decorated owlet moth, has a wingspan of 2.5 centimeters. The wing is scalloped on the edges, allowing the moth to blend into dead or rotting leaves. The wing pattern is mottled rusty-yellow and brown with a small triangular black spot. Seen from May to September, the decorated owlet moth begins its life as larvae that feed on blueberry bushes.

False Crocus Geometer Moth

• Xanthotype urticaria, or false crocus geometer moth, has a 3- to 4-centimeter wingspan. Adults are prevalent in June and July. Bright yellow wings with brown spots and blotches camouflage the false crocus geometer moth on the forest floor. Males have more of these spots than females do. Adults are nocturnal but are also active during daylight hours. The larvae mimic twigs and feed on herbs and shrubs. Their range expands throughout the United States and southern Canada.

Deep-Yellow Euchlaena Moth

• Euchlaena amoenaria, or the deep-yellow moth, has a large wingspan of 3 to 5 centimeters. The kite-shaped wings are a tan to reddish color with prominent lines sweeping on the hind wings similar to leaf veins. A small light patch highlights each wingtip. The deep-yellow moth is found in eastern North America from May through September. The species produces two generations a year.