The Lunate Zale has a wingspan of approximately 2 inches and is highly variable in appearance. The forewing and hindwing are dark brown with tan to rust shading and many black wavy lines. Photo A shows the forewing with 2 white terminal patches and the hindwing with one large white terminal patch. Photo B shows the white patches in the forewing and hindwing replaced with dark brown. The larva is variably colored tan to gray to brown or black and usually resembles tree bark. The mature caterpillar is 2 inches in length.
The frequency of occurrence at Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods is not known. The individuals shown here were photographed in early September and early October. This is usually the most common species of Zale moth in eastern deciduous forests. It can be seen from spring through fall.
There are 37 species of Zales in North America. The larval food plants are various shrubs and trees including maple, plum and willow. females lay about 200 eggs over their 3-4 week adult lifespan. Larvae mature in 4-5 weeks, feeding mostly at night. They overwinter as pupae in loose cocoons in leaf litter, or more often, in surface soil or humus.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.