Lappet Moth

Description:

scalloped outer margins of wings with white in the scallops. Resting posture with forewings held tent-like over abdomen, and hindwings sticking out horizontally is characteristic. Forewing color varies from bluish-gray to reddish to yellowish-brown; markings white and violet; anal angle with deep notch. When sitting on dead leaves, it is well camouflaged.

Habitat:

Nova Scotia to Georgia, west through Texas to California, north to BC and Yukon Caterpillars feed on leaves of alder, birch, oak, poplar, willow, snowbrush (Ceanothus velutinus), chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla), and members of the rose family; larvae rest longitudinally along a twig during the day, and feed at night