Autumn leaf or living insect? These delicate looking moths are typically found flying from mid to late summer into early fall when their dried, leaf-like appearance is most helpful for camouflage. They inhabit mixed and deciduous forests from coast to coast in southern Canada and the northern U.S. (also found south along the east and west coast, being absent in parts of the central and southern states). The larvae are no camouflage slouches themselves, expertly mimicking a twig.

Size: Wingspan 43-60 mm; female larger than male.

Photos by: Glenn Marangelo on 9/9/21 in Missoula, MT