White-dotted prominent
This moth's caterpillar changes from blue green to bright green just before pupating, while adults carry a raised, comb-like tuft between the wings.
| Where | Oak woodlands and mixed deciduous forest |
|---|---|
| Size | 35 to 50 mm wingspan |
| When | April to September |
The White-dotted prominent is a chunky, powdery tan to rusty brown moth with two small white dots at the center of each forewing and a raised, comb-like tuft of scales between the wings. The forewing edge is scalloped, each notch filled with pale fringe.
Caterpillars are blue green, turning bright green before pupating, and feed on oak and other deciduous trees such as birch, maple and cherry. Two overlapping broods fly through the warmer months, and adults come readily to lights after dark.
Traits
Habitat
Woodland
Colour
Brown, Yellow, White
Active
Night
To people
Attracted to light after dark; does not bite or sting people.
Activity through the year
Often confused with
A plainer cinnamon to maroon brown moth without white forewing dots or a raised thoracic tuft, unlike the White-dotted prominent's tan, tufted, white-spotted wings.
Questions
Is the White-dotted prominent dangerous to people?
Attracted to light after dark; does not bite or sting people.
When can you see the White-dotted prominent?
The White-dotted prominent can be seen from April to September, at night.
Plate retouched from a photo by soo_moths, CC0, iNaturalist Licence
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Butterflies and moths›Prominent moths›Nadata
Last updated 2026-09-26. Every entry is checked against published sources.