Zanclognatha jacchusalis

Adults have a wingspan of 28–31 mm. The forewings display characteristic wavy transverse lines that give the species its common name. The genus Zanclognatha can be distinguished from related litter moths by the fan-like projection of the labial palps, which extend forward from the head.

Forest floor environments with accumulated leaf litter. Associated with deciduous woodland habitats where dead leaves provide larval substrate.

Eastern and central North America. Documented from Wisconsin to Maine, south to Georgia and Louisiana. Canadian records include Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

Adults active April to September. Normally one generation per year; two generations occur in Missouri.

Larvae have been reared on dead oak leaves. Larval diet in nature is presumed to be detritus, though this has not been directly confirmed through field observation.

Complete metamorphosis with egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Larvae develop in leaf litter. Normally univoltine; bivoltine in some southern populations.

Nocturnal. Adults are attracted to light. Larvae inhabit and feed within leaf litter layer.

Contributes to decomposition of leaf litter in forest ecosystems. Functions as a detritivore in early life stages.

No significant economic or medical importance. Occasionally encountered by naturalists and moth enthusiasts at light traps.

• Zanclognatha laevigataOverlapping range and similar size; distinguished by forewing pattern details and genitalia
• Zanclognatha obscuripennisSimilar habitat use; identification requires examination of wing pattern and body scaling

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life