Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Leopard moth

Leopard moth

Zeuzera pyrina

A species of Zeuzera

Adorned with a distinctive pattern of blue and white dots across its wings, leopard moth cuts a striking figure in its environment. At the caterpillar stage, it is known for tunneling through the woody tissues of various trees, a behavior that is both a hallmark of its larval development and an essential factor in its role in forest ecosystems. The adult leopard moth, while not a feeder, is equally remarkable for its nocturnal flight patterns, displaying an elegance that belies its larval voracity.

General Info About Leopard moth
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Leopard moth
Habitat
These moths are associated with woodland, gardens and orchards.
Adult Food Sources
The moth flies from June to September depending on the location. The caterpillars are xylophagous. They feed on the wood of various deciduous trees and shrubs (see list below), feeding internally for two or three years in the stems and branches before emerging to pupate under the bark. It can be a pest of fruit production.
Larva Food Source
Apple tree wood, pear tree wood, olive tree wood, willow tree wood, quince tree wood
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Leopard moth is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
The Leopard moth can bore into the wood and may damage its structure, or even harm the health of trees. Stay alert if you frequently observe it in your house.
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Leopard moth feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Leopard moth
This species can be found primarily in Europe (excluding Ireland) but also in northern Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco) and Asia (Taiwan, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey). It was introduced into the northeastern United States prior to 1879 and has a range extending from Maine, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Leopard moth
Egg As eggs, leopard moth are typically round or oval with a hard shell to protect the developing larva inside. They're often laid in clusters and the color may vary.
Larva In this stage, the larva of leopard moth is caterpillar-like, focused on feeding and growth. It periodically molts its exoskeleton to accommodate its increasing size.
Pupal The leopard moth enters the pupal stage enclosed within a cocoon for transformation. The creature is immobile, and its tissues are reorganizing into the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult leopard moth possesses wings and functional reproductive organs. Its body is hardened, with the adult now mobile and focused on mating.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Leopard moth
3.5 - 6 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Leopard moth Larvae
Birds, rodents, insectivorous mammals, predatory beetles, other insect predators
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Leopard moth
Tips for Finding Leopard moth
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Leopard moth
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Leopard moth
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Leopard moth
Adult leopard moth are attracted to lights. Setting up light traps could be effective.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Leopard moth Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of leopard moth are commonly laid on the bark of host trees. As larva, leopard moth can be found within the trunks and branches where they feed on the wood, creating tunnels. Pupation typically occurs within these tunnels. To find the different growth and development stages, one should inspect the host trees, looking for signs of oviposition on the bark, entry holes, and sawdust from larval boring. Host trees like apple, pear, and olive in orchards or woodlands are prime locations to search for these stages of leopard moth.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Leopard moth at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of leopard moth are often laid on the bark of the host tree. To find them, inspect tree trunks and branches, focusing on crevices and cracks in the bark.
Larva Leopard moth larvae bore into trees, making finding them more challenging. Look for entry holes in the bark, sawdust-like frass, or listen for chewing sounds within infested trees. Fallen frass beneath the tree can be an indicator.
Pupal Pupation of leopard moth occurs within the host tree in a cocoon. Identifying previously infested trees and carefully cutting into the tree can reveal the cocoon, but this should be done minimally to avoid damaging the tree.
Adult Leopard moth adults can be found by setting up light traps at night, as they are drawn to light. Alternatively, surveying during the evening near the host trees with a flashlight can be an effective way to spot them.
Are Leopard moth harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Harmful Effects of Leopard moth
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Agricultural Pests

Larvae of leopard moth bore into stems and trunks, disrupting the transport of water and nutrients within the plant. In minor infestations, growth may be stunted, while severe cases can lead to the death of the plant. This damage not only reduces the yield and quality of agricultural produce but can also cause economic losses and affect food supply.

More Effects of Leopard moth

Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Leopard moth
Givira marga
Givira marga

The wingspan is about 30 mm. The forewings are grey, with an indistinct darker shade beyond the cell. The forewings are covered with fine black strigae, forming several bands in the outer third. The hindwings are smoky brown, but lighter along the costa. Adults have been recorded on wing from May to August.

Read More
Arrow
Givira arbeloides
Givira arbeloides

Givira arbeloides is a moth in the family Cossidae. It is found in North America, where it has been recorded from Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Also recorded in Suriname. The wingspan is about 27 mm. Adults have been recorded on wing from April to October.

Read More
Arrow
Poplar Carpenterworm
Poplar Carpenterworm

Acossus centerensis, the poplar carpenterworm, is a moth of the family Cossidae. It is found in North America from New Jersey west to Illinois and North Dakota. In Canada it is found from Quebec and Ontario west to British Columbia. The wingspan is 40–50 mm for males and 50–64 mm for females. The larvae feed on Populus species, mainly Populus tremuloides, but also balsam poplars.

Read More
Arrow
Carpenterworm moth
Carpenterworm moth

The wingspan is 4.5 - 9 cm.

Read More
Arrow
Reed leopard
Reed leopard

Upon reaching maturity, reed leopard boasts intricately patterned wings that blend seamlessly into the woody textures of its surroundings, a master of camouflage. This creature not only consumes plant material in its larval stage but its offspring can be found tunnelling deep within the stems of herbaceous vegetation. Such an existence underscores an intricate life cycle that beautifully demonstrates the harmony between adaptation and ecological niche.

Read More
Arrow
Goat moth
Goat moth

The goat moth (Cossus cossus) is a large moth that may make you believe it eats everything by the name. The adults of this species do not eat. Instead, its larva stages will eat through deciduous trees. The holes leading to their exit will leak with the sap of the tree and their waste product, attracting the Red admiral butterfly.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow