Maple Zale Moth - Hodges#8692
Zale galbanata
This record describes Zale galbanata (species). Recorded family: Erebidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: wing color and boldness/faintness of markings varies considerably among individuals; forewing gray to grayish-brown, often with orangish-yellow tint in median area, and with or without white strip in subterminal area; lines fine, black; PM line has two bulges in upper half; ST line heaviest line but usually only from inner margin to lower bulge of PM line. Hindwing similar to forewing in color and pattern except lacks orangish-yellow tint in median area, and heavy ST line even bolder in some individuals [adapted from description by Charles Covell]. Larvae: head pale green to brown; body olive-green with whitish dorsal and lateral longitudinal stripes; another form has olive and brown stripes, and two black dorsal spots [adapted from description by Pedrosa Barbosa, U. of Maryland).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Erebidae
- Subfamily
- Erebinae
- Tribe
- Omopterini
- Genus
- Zale
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Riparian maple groves, suburban yards, woodlots with maples.
Geographic Range
At least Manitoba to New Brunswick, south to northern Florida and Texas. ( 3 )
Seasonal Activity
adults fly from April to September
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval host is boxelder and perhaps other maples. ( 3 )
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Zale galbanata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Maple Zale Moth - Hodges#8692 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Bob Patterson , Tony-2 , Maury Heiman , Robert Lord Zimlich , marcie oconnor , Randy Hardy , Steve Morris
Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Zale Moth - Hodges#8692
What is Maple Zale Moth - Hodges#8692?
Maple Zale Moth - Hodges#8692 (Zale galbanata) is a species in the family Erebidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Maple Zale Moth - Hodges#8692?
Wingspan 29-41 mm. Larva to 40 mm.
How do you identify Maple Zale Moth - Hodges#8692?
Adult: wing color and boldness/faintness of markings varies considerably among individuals; forewing gray to grayish-brown, often with orangish-yellow tint in median area, and with or without white strip in subterminal area; lines fine, black; PM line has two bulges in upper half; ST line heaviest line but usually only from inner margin to lower bulge of PM line. Hindwing similar to forewing in color and pattern except lacks orangish-yellow tint in median area, and heavy ST line even bolder in some individuals [adapted from description by Charles Covell]. Larvae: head pale green to brown; body olive-green with whitish dorsal and lateral longitudinal stripes; another form has olive and brown stripes, and two black dorsal spots [adapted from description by Pedrosa Barbosa, U. of Maryland).
Where is Maple Zale Moth - Hodges#8692 found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Riparian maple groves, suburban yards, woodlots with maples. |
| Range | At least Manitoba to New Brunswick, south to northern Florida and Texas. ( 3 ) |
What does Maple Zale Moth - Hodges#8692 eat?
The diet of the Maple Zale Moth - Hodges#8692 includes Larval host is boxelder and perhaps other maples. ( 3 ).
When is Maple Zale Moth - Hodges#8692 active?
Maple Zale Moth - Hodges#8692: seasonal activity - adults fly from April to September.