Green Leuconycta

Common Name: Green Leuconycta

Scientific Name: Leuconycta diphtheroids

Season: Two generations, with caterpillars in June and August, and adults in late June.

Food: Goldenrods and other asters.

Ecology: A common caterpillar in open fields and meadows, green leuconyctas hide on the underside of wildflower leaves, and may drop to the ground if alarmed. As adults, they bear a striking resemblance to lichen of a tree, and moths make a good habit of blending in to woody vegetation whenever they can. Green leuconycta will overwinter as pupae.

Doug Tallamy Photo