A dark brown variation has gold accents on the hindwings' fringe and inner edge. A trio of black lines cross the wings near the thorax. The 'epultrix' form is pale gray with pink, or salmon-colored, accents along the fringe and base of the forewings. A trio of bands (black-pink-black) cross the wings by the thorax, or a single large pinkish area may be present instead. The thorax region of this moth has a crest of hairs that rise up, almost like those seen in Prominent moths. The tip of the abdomen peeks out about the resting wings. Most times, this moth holds its wings closed above the body, but apart beneath it. This posture creates an 'A-frame' or pup tent shape.
Brown caterpillars feed on a variety of deciduous trees like willow, poplar, alder, and birch. It has serpentine, angled markings and may curl up like a snake. Adults are active from spring through autumn, so more time to reproduce allows for two broods to be produced in each year.
General Characteristics Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns.
Territorial Map U.S., Canada, and Mexico
Alaska
Hawaii
Prince Edward Is.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used for sensing.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.
Colors: brown; tan; gray; pink
