The Lappet Moth has a wingspan of 1 to 2 inches. The forewing color varies from bluish-gray to reddish to light brown with white and violet markings. Both wings have white scalloping on the outer margins. In the characteristic resting posture the forewings are folded tent-like over the abdomen and hindwings protrude out. The larva grows to 1.75 inches. The body is gray with white dorsal spotting and is covered with soft gray hairs, the longest projecting from fleshy “lappets” on the sides of the body. There are 2 orange-red bands (concealed when at rest) on thoracic segments 2 and 3.
The frequency of occurrence at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods is not known. The individuals shown here were photographed in early April at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center. The adults fly from April to August and are attracted to artificial lights.
The larval food plants are alder, apple, birch, cherry, ironwood, oak, poplar and willow. The larvae feed at night, so they are seldom encountered. The pupa overwinters.
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