The Beggar

Common Name: The Beggar

Scientific Name: Eubaphe mendica

Season: Two generations, with caterpillars common by June.

Food: Maples and violets. Adults do not feed.

Ecology: This moth has nearly clear wings with very few scales, and bare patches that resemble holes in a beggar’s clothes, which is how the moth received its name. As a caterpillar, the beggar looks very much like a twig, and will use this camouflage to protect itself from being viewed as bird food. Caterpillars overwinter as pupae.

Doug Tallamy Photo