Black Zale

moth

Common name: Black zale, Fishers Island NY, June 2017

Scientific name: Zale undularis

Season: Adults start flying in the Northeast in late spring and into September. Caterpillars are common by June.

Food: The caterpillars feed exclusively on locust trees.

Ecology: This dark-colored moth is able to camouflage itself against the bark of trees, whereas its caterpillars feed on the underside of leaves to hide from predators. The caterpillars are incredibly muscular, and when alarmed, will launch themselves from leaves to avoid capture.