Feralia februalis

Distinguished from other Pacific West noctuids by its late-winter to early-spring flight period combined with sea-green lichen-mimicking coloration. The specific association with oak woodlands and nocturnal behavior at porch lights provide additional context for identification.

Wingspan approximately 34 mm. Forewings sea-green with mottled patterning that simulates lichen. Coloration provides cryptic camouflage against bark and rock surfaces.

Dry woodlands, particularly oak woodlands and mixed hardwood forests containing oaks. Occurs at low elevations west of the Cascade Range. Habitat specificity tied to presence of Quercus host plants.

Narrowly endemic to the West Coast of North America. Range extends from the Columbia River in Oregon south through western California to the Mexican border, including the northern Sierra Nevada. Present in western Oregon and California; not documented in Washington despite proximity to known range.

Adults on wing from late winter to early spring. Nocturnal activity pattern.

Larvae feed on foliage of broad-leaved trees, specifically Quercus species. Food plant specialist with documented dependence on oaks.

• Quercus - larval food plantPrimary host; species identified as management-sensitive due to this dependence

Nocturnal. Adults come readily to artificial lights. Flight period restricted to late winter and early spring months.

Subject of citizen science observation via porch light attraction. Identified as management-sensitive species in conservation contexts due to oak habitat dependence.

• Other Feralia speciesSame genus; distinguished by flight period and geographic range
• Other late-winter noctuidsShared phenology; distinguished by lichen-mimicking coloration and oak habitat specificity

• nocturnal
• lichen mimicry
• oak specialist
• late winter flight
• Pacific West endemic

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Like a Moth to...the Front Porch Light | Bug Squad