Tulip-tree beauty

The Tulip-tree beauty is a large grey to brown moth with a wingspan of about 43 to 56 mm, its wings crossed by dark wavy lines and finished with scalloped edges that break up its outline against tree bark. It rests with wings spread flat, and while most are pale and patterned, some individuals appear in a darker, almost blackish form.

Caterpillars feed on the leaves of tulip tree, sassafras, magnolia and pawpaw, growing into thick-bodied larvae with a swollen segment behind the head. Adults fly from spring into late summer across the eastern half of North America and come readily to lights at night.