Amphipyra glabella

Distinguished from other Amphipyra species by the smooth, relatively unmarked forewings lacking prominent transverse lines or strong patterning. The specific epithet "glabella" refers to this smoother appearance compared to congeners. Separation from Amphipyra pyramidoides (copper underwing) and A. tragopoginis (mouse moth) requires examination of wing pattern details and, in some cases, genitalia. The smooth amphipyra lacks the distinct pattern elements and color contrasts seen in related species.

Wingspan 33–40 mm. Forewings smooth, lacking strong patterning or prominent lines typical of many noctuids. Coloration generally greyish-brown, providing camouflage against bark and other substrates. Hindwings typically paler than forewings. Body relatively smooth and glabrous compared to related species, contributing to the specific epithet "glabella" (smooth).

Deciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, and wooded suburban areas. Adults often found resting on tree trunks and other vertical surfaces where their cryptic coloration provides effective camouflage.

Eastern North America from New York and Quebec west to southern British Columbia, south to Georgia and Colorado. Present in Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, and in the United States from Vermont southward.

Adults active from August to September depending on location. Univoltine with one generation per year.

Complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. One generation per year. Larval stage likely occurs in spring and summer, though specific details of larval biology are poorly documented. Adults emerge in late summer.

Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light. They rest on tree trunks and vertical surfaces during the day, relying on cryptic coloration for concealment. Flight period is relatively brief, concentrated in late summer.

Larval stage likely functions as a herbivore, though specific host plants are not well documented. Adults serve as prey for nocturnal insectivores including bats and birds.

Minor significance as a subject of entomological study and moth observation. Not known to be an agricultural or forestry pest. Attracted to artificial light sources, bringing it into occasional contact with humans.

• Amphipyra pyramidoidesCopper underwing has more strongly patterned forewings with distinct lines and a coppery-orange hindwing patch not present in A. glabella
• Amphipyra tragopoginisMouse moth has more contrasting forewing pattern with distinct dark stigmata and paler ground color
• Other NoctuidaeMany noctuids share similar size and general appearance; A. glabella distinguished by smooth, relatively unmarked forewings and late summer flight period

• Noctuidae
• Amphipyrinae
• moth
• North America
• forest
• univoltine
• cryptic coloration
• nocturnal
• late summer flight

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