Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Zale galbanata (Morrison, 1876)
Homoptera galbanata Morrison, 1876
Phylogenetic sequence # 931026
Identification
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).
Range
At least Manitoba to New Brunswick, south to northern Florida and Texas.
(3)Habitat
Riparian maple groves, suburban yards, woodlots with maples.
Season
adults fly from April to September
Food
Larval host is boxelder and perhaps other maples.
(3)See Also
Zale phaeocapna flies early in spring.
Zale minerea (Colorful Zale) is larger, and usually darker and more colorful.
Print References
Covell Jr., C.V., 1984. Field Guide to the Moths of Eastern North America. p.166, pl.37(17)
Crumb, S.E., 1956. The larvae of the Phalaenidae.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin 1135:
293.
(2)
Morrison, H.K., 1876. Notes on the Noctuidae, with descriptions of certain new species, no. 2.
Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 1875:
435
Wagner, D.L., 2011. Owlet Caterpillars of Eastern North America. Princeton University Press. p.183
Internet References
adult images showing several color forms (Larry Line, Maryland)
pinned adult image (Dale Clark, Texas, dallasbutterflies.com)
(5)