×
BugFinder Insects by State Spiders Butterflies & Moths Bees, Ants, & Wasps Beetles All Bugs Videos (YouTube)

Canadian Owlet (Calyptra canadensis)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Canadian Owlet


Loading SVG image placeholder
1/2
Image Credit: Alex -icycatelf- Bowen
Full-sized image of the Canadian-Owlet-Moth Thumbnail image of the Canadian-Owlet-Moth
2/2
Image Credit: Alex -icycatelf- Bowen
Full-sized image #2 of the Canadian-Owlet-Moth Thumbnail image #2 of the Canadian-Owlet-Moth

Hiding in plain sight, the Canadian Owlet Moth looks like a dry, rumpled leaf, allowing it to safely rest anywhere.



Updated: 01/03/2022; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Found in most of Canada and the United States, the Canadian Owlet has a larger range than its name suggests, though it is less common in the warmer southern states. The brown moth has subtle hue shifts on its forewings, giving the illusion of depth and dimension. A thin, slightly wavy, dark line crosses each forewing on an angle. When viewed overhead, the line on each wing meets near the center of the abdomen and creates an inverted V-shape. A clump of hairs rise up near the head, like the moth has a small camel hump. Its face has hairs that angle upward.

This genus of moths is known for sucking blood. Vampire moths in the Calyptra genus have a barbed probocis that is typically used to pierce fruit in order to suck on its juices. Male moths also use it to pierce the skin of animals, and even an obliging human, and suck blood from them. The behavior is thought to come from mistaking possible food sources, which resulted in males taking in the salt from blood. The behavior may have continued in order to pass on the mineral to offspring through fertilization. The Canadian Owlet Moth has not been seen exhibiting this behavior, but it is possible that it does. Bites from its relatives leave a small red mark and may be sore for a while, but they are not dangerous.

Caterpillars of the Canadian Owlet are white on top and green on bottom. Broken black lines run the length of the body and yellow dots line each side. Its yellow head has black marks on it. This species feeds on meadow rue, a type of flowering plant. Meadow rue does not grow well in hot, humid places, so it's scarcity in warm southern states may explain the rarity of the moth's presence there. Adults are nocturnal and will come to lights at night. ©InsectIdentification.org


Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.InsectIdentification.org. It is the product of hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, educators, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at InsectIdentification AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.


General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Flying insect icon
Striped or banded insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Lepidoptera
        Family: Erebidae
View More
          Genus: Calyptra
View More
            Species: canadensis

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Calyptra canadensis
Category: Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 19mm to 40mm (0.74" to 1.57")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: brown
Descriptors: angled line; face; snout; flying


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 19mm (0.7in) and 40mm (1.6in)
Lo: 19mm
Md: 29.5mm
Hi: 40mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
State of Alabama graphic
State of Arizona graphic
State of Arkansas graphic
State of California graphic
State of Colorado graphic
State of Delware graphic
State of Florida graphic
State of Georgia graphic
State of Idaho graphic
State of Illinois graphic
State of Indiana graphic
State of Iowa graphic
State of Kansas graphic
State of Kentucky graphic
State of Louisiana graphic
State of Maine graphic
State of Maryland graphic
State of Michigan graphic
State of Minnesota graphic
State of Mississippi graphic
State of Missouri graphic
State of Montana graphic
State of Nebraska graphic
State of Nevada graphic
State of New England graphic
State of New Jersey graphic
State of New Mexico graphic
State of New York graphic
State of North Carolina graphic
State of North Dakota graphic
State of Ohio graphic
State of Oklahoma graphic
State of Oregon graphic
State of Pennsylvania graphic
State of South Carolina graphic
State of South Dakota graphic
State of Tennessee graphic
State of Texas graphic
State of Utah graphic
State of Virginia graphic
State of Washington graphic
State of West Virginia graphic
State of Wisconsin graphic
State of Wyoming graphic
Canadian territory of Alberta graphic
Canadian territory of British Columbia graphic
Canadian territory of Manitoba graphic
Canadian territory of New Brunswick graphic
Canadian territory of Newfoundland and Labrador graphic
Canadian territory of Ontario graphic
Canadian territory of Quebec graphic
Canadian territory of Saskatchewan graphic
Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Canadian Owlet may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Canadian Owlet. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Site Disclaimer  |  Privacy Policy  |  Cookies  |  Sitemap
Beetle Identification Butterfly Identification Caterpillar Identification Spider ID Fungal Infections on Insects Nursery Web Spider Official State Insects Termite Basics Insect Molting Process Bugs of Tennessee House Centipede JoroSpider.org

2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • Content ©2006-2024 InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved. The InsectIdentification.org logo, its written content, and watermarked photographs/imagery are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and is protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. Material presented throughout this website is for entertainment value and should not to be construed as usable for scientific research or medical advice (regarding bites, etc...).Please consult licensed, degreed professionals for such information. By submitting images to us (InsectIdentification.org) you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Site Disclaimer as it pertains to "User-Submitted Content". Images in JPG format are preferred with a minimum horizontal dimension of 1000px if possible. When emailing please include your location and the general estimated size of the specimen in question if possible. Please direct all inquiries and comments to insectidentification AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

©2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2006-2024 (18yrs)