Insect identification - Ask Extension
I found what appears to be a moth with leaves? as wings..it was very sluggish, although did roll over when it landed on its back. Now it is dead. Is t...
Knowledgebase
Insect identification #863218
Asked April 03, 2024, 10:32 AM EDT
I found what appears to be a moth with leaves? as wings..it was very sluggish, although did roll over when it landed on its back. Now it is dead. Is this insect one O should be concerned about?
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Colleen and thanks so much for your picture of the moth.
It is too bad it died, but it was a Deceptive Sallow Moth, Feralia deceptiva, and quite beautiful when alive. It feeds on Douglas fir needles and lives in moist forests from British Columbia to northwest California. It is not one to be concerned about, in fact you are lucky to have seen one as they camouflage with green leaves (hence the name "Deceptive"). They are a member of the Owlet Moth family, Noctuidae, which has at least 950 species here in the northwest.
Thanks again for asking about this very interesting moth!
It is too bad it died, but it was a Deceptive Sallow Moth, Feralia deceptiva, and quite beautiful when alive. It feeds on Douglas fir needles and lives in moist forests from British Columbia to northwest California. It is not one to be concerned about, in fact you are lucky to have seen one as they camouflage with green leaves (hence the name "Deceptive"). They are a member of the Owlet Moth family, Noctuidae, which has at least 950 species here in the northwest.
Thanks again for asking about this very interesting moth!
