SCULPTURED MOTH
Eumarozia malachitana
TORTRICID MOTH FAMILY (Tortricidae)
The Sculptured Moth has a wingspan of about .75 inch. The gray forewing is tinged with reddish pink distally. There is a large white-edged, mossy green median patch. The eyes are green. Worn individuals may appear brownish. The caterpillar is translucent green with a dark wide line down the middle. The head is yellowish.
The frequency of occurrence in our area is not known. It was photographed in mid-June 2016 coming to moth lights in Fontenelle Forest. It ranges throughout the eastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. Adults are most often seen from June through September.
The host plant is Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana). This understory tree has been common in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods, but is currently being eliminated as part of the savannah restoration. Therefore, the moth can be expected to decline and may not be present in the future.
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: Babs Padelford.