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
Habitat
Shelterbelts and urban areas with maple trees; riparian maple groves.
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
"Species Details - 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 13 Jun. 2025.
References
AuthorPrentice, R. M.
TitleForest Lepidoptera of Canada. (1962)
Publication Date1962
Volume2
Pages281
AuthorForbes, William T. M.
TitleLepidoptera of New York & neighbouring states : Part 3
Publication Date1954
Series TitleCornell University Agricultural Experiment Station. Memoir
Specimen Information
There are 13 specimens of this Species.
13 results plotted on map in 2 markers. Note: Only records with latitude and longitude coordinates are plotted on map.