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Tulip-Tree Beauty

Epimecis hortaria

Epimecis hortaria, commonly known as the Tulip-Tree Beauty Moth, is a species of moth found in the eastern United States. One interesting characteristic of this species is that it exhibits both light and dark morphs. The light morph has a pale greenish-gray coloration, while the dark morph is characterized by a rich brown coloration with a subtle green tint.

The wingspan of the Tulip-Tree Beauty Moth ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 inches, and its wings are marked with striking silver and bronze patches. The silver patches form a distinct “Y” shape, while the bronze patches form a crescent shape along the outer edge of the wings. The moth’s forewings are long and narrow, while its hindwings are broader and have a scalloped edge.

One fun fact about the Tulip-Tree Beauty Moth is that it is named after the tulip tree, which is a preferred host plant for its caterpillars. The species is also known to use other plants, such as magnolias and sweetgums, as host plants.

Habitat
forests, woodlots, urban areas, suburban areas
Scientific Name
Epimecis hortaria
Wing Span
43mm to 56mm
General Size
Average
Wing Color
brown
brown
Marking's Color
black
black
white
white
Markings Pattern
Waves / Jagged Lines

Characteristics describe the physical and behavioral traits that distinguish a species from others. This section helps readers identify and differentiate between similar species, aiding in species identification and reducing the chance of misidentification.

Identifying Characteristics

  1. Edges of wings are scalloped

  2. Wavy lines cross the wings

The chart displays the months of the year on the x-axis and observations of a particular species on the y-axis, indicating the time of year when each species is most commonly observed. This chart can assist moth watchers and researchers in predicting the best times and locations to observe specific moth species.

A range map is a visual representation of a species' geographical distribution, and it helps naturalists and field researchers quickly determine if a species is likely to be found in a given area, aiding in identification, conservation, and habitat management efforts.