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Morrisonia confusa facts for kids

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Morrisonia confusa
Morrisonia confusa - Confused Woodgrain Moth (13969518309).jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Noctuidae
Genus:
Morrisonia
Species:
M. confusa
Binomial name
Morrisonia confusa
Hübner, 1831
Synonyms
  • Auchmis confusa
  • Xylina infructuosa

The Confused Woodgrain Moth (scientific name: Morrisonia confusa) is a type of moth that belongs to the Noctuidae family. These moths are known for their interesting patterns and are a common sight in certain parts of North America.

Meet the Confused Woodgrain Moth

The Confused Woodgrain Moth gets its common name from its scientific name, Morrisonia confusa. It is a fascinating insect that plays a part in its ecosystem. Like all moths, it goes through a complete metamorphosis during its life cycle.

Where Does It Live?

You can find the Confused Woodgrain Moth in many parts of Eastern North America. Its range stretches from Florida in the south all the way up to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario in Canada. This means it can live in many different environments, from warmer southern states to cooler northern regions.

What Does It Look Like?

This moth has a wingspan of about 35 millimeters (which is about 1.4 inches). This measurement is the distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other when the wings are spread out. The colors and patterns on its wings help it blend in with tree bark, which protects it from predators.

Life Cycle and What It Eats

The adult Confused Woodgrain Moths are usually seen flying from April to June. The exact time depends on where they live, as warmer places might see them earlier.

Before they become adult moths, they are larvae, also known as caterpillars. These larvae are quite hungry! They feed on the leaves of many different kinds of deciduous trees. Some of their favorite foods include:

  • Basswood
  • Birch
  • Ironwood
  • Oak
  • Poplar
  • Sweet gale
  • Wild black cherry

By eating these leaves, the caterpillars grow and store energy. Eventually, they will change into pupae and then emerge as adult moths, ready to start the cycle again.

Gallery

  • Morrisonia confusa head

    Detailed photograph of Morrisonia confusa head

  • Morrisonia confusa dorsal

    Dorsal photograph of Morrisonia confusa

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