Common NameMaple ZaleSeasonalityThe only Alberta specimen was collected on June 12, 1992.IdentificationA medium-size (3.5 cm. ws.) broad-winged light grey or yellow-brown moth. Both fore and hing wings have a very "busy" pattern of numerous zig-zag cross lines mixed with lighter and darker patches. Similar in pattern to Zale minerea, but smaller, paler, and less colorful. Like other Zale sp., color and pattern may be quite variable. Most likely to be mistaken for a geometrid moth.
Scientific NameZale galbanataCommon Name
Maple Zale
Seasonality
The only Alberta specimen was collected on June 12, 1992.
Identification
A medium-size (3.5 cm. ws.) broad-winged light grey or yellow-brown moth. Both fore and hing wings have a very "busy" pattern of numerous zig-zag cross lines mixed with lighter and darker patches. Similar in…
A medium-size (3.5 cm. ws.) broad-winged light grey or yellow-brown moth. Both fore and hing wings have a very "busy" pattern of numerous zig-zag cross lines mixed with lighter and darker patches. Similar in pattern to Zale minerea, but smaller, paler, and less colorful. Like other Zale sp., color and pattern may be quite variable. Most likely to be mistaken for a geometrid moth.
Life History
Adults are nocturnal and come to light. The larvae are soliary defoliators of maples.
Conservation
Rarely collected in Alberta (one record), which is at the northeastern edge of its range
Diet Info
No Alberta data; elsewhere various species of maples (Acer sp.) including A. negundo, A. rubrum, and A. spicatum. In Alberta, probably A. negundo (Manitoba maple).
Range
Eastern North America, northwest to southern Alberta and central Montana, south to to Texas and New Mexico. In Alberta, it has been collected once, 10 km west of Drumheller.
Citation
Page Citation for Zale galbanata
Page Citation
"Zale galbanata, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-3775. Accessed 25 Jul. 2021.