Bark-mimicry
Guides
Brochymena arborea
rough stink bug, tree stink bug
Brochymena arborea is a North American stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae, commonly known as the rough stink bug or tree stink bug. It is one of approximately 21-23 Brochymena species found north of Mexico. The species exhibits remarkable bark-mimicking camouflage and overwinters as an adult, typically remaining outdoors under loose bark rather than entering human structures. It is frequently confused with the invasive Brown Marmorated Stink Bug but is ecologically distinct and not considered a pest.
Brochymena myops
rough stink bug, tree stink bug
Brochymena myops is a species of rough stink bug native to North America, belonging to the genus Brochymena commonly known as "tree stink bugs" for their bark-like camouflage. The species ranges from Quebec to Florida and westward through the central United States to Texas. Adults are active during warm periods throughout the year, including winter sunny days, and are frequently mistaken for the invasive brown marmorated stink bug. Like other Brochymena species, B. myops is not considered an agricultural or household pest.
stink-bugnativepredatorypine-forestcamouflagewinter-activenon-pestrough-stink-bugtree-stink-bugHemipteraPentatomidaeBrochymenaNorth-Americacentral-United-Statessoutheastern-United-Statesconifer-associatedbark-mimicryoverwintering-adultsingle-generationdecaying-wood-inhabitantbeneficial-insectHalyiniStål-1872Heteropteratrue-bugBrochymena quadripustulata
Four-humped Stink Bug, Rough Stink Bug
Brochymena quadripustulata is a native North American stink bug commonly known as the four-humped stink bug or rough stink bug. Adults range from 10–19 mm in body length and display remarkable cryptic coloration resembling lichen-mottled tree bark. The species is frequently confused with the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), but can be distinguished by spiny projections on the pronotum and uniformly dark antennae lacking white bands. It has one generation per year in temperate climates, with adults overwintering beneath loose bark or in firewood piles.
Catocala herodias herodias
Herodias Underwing
Catocala herodias herodias is a subspecies of underwing moth in the family Erebidae. The genus Catocala, meaning "beautiful below," comprises over 250 species known for their cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings. When at rest, the forewings provide camouflage against tree bark; when disturbed, the moth reveals vivid hindwing patterns of orange, red, black, white, or blue that startle predators. This subspecies is part of the North American underwing fauna, with adults typically active during summer months. Like other Catocala, they are primarily nocturnal and often associated with wooded habitats.
Catocala robinsonii
Robinson's Underwing
Robinson's Underwing (Catocala robinsonii) is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1872. The species is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly patterned hindwings, a defensive trait common to the genus Catocala. It occurs primarily in eastern and central North America, with larvae specializing on hardwood trees including hickory, walnut, and oak.
Catocala ultronia
Ultronia Underwing, Dark Red Underwing
Catocala ultronia is a medium-sized underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Jacob Hübner in 1823. It is characterized by cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a trait shared with other members of the genus Catocala. The species occurs across eastern North America and southern Canada, with larvae feeding on a documented range of woody host plants including ash, apple, poplar, cherry, and basswood. Adults are active in August and do not typically come directly to lights, instead remaining on the periphery of illuminated areas.
Hamadryas feronia
Variable Cracker, Blue Cracker
Hamadryas feronia, commonly known as the variable cracker or blue cracker, is a neotropical butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is notable for producing loud clicking sounds during flight, a trait that gives the 'cracker' butterflies their common name. The species exhibits bark-mimicking camouflage and complex acoustic communication between males. Two subspecies are recognized: H. feronia feronia in South America and H. feronia farinulenta in Central America and Mexico.
Pseudothyatira cymatophoroides
Tufted Thyatirine Moth, tufted thyatirid moth
The tufted thyatirine moth is the sole species in the monotypic genus Pseudothyatira, placed in family Drepanidae (hooktip and false owlet moths). It is recognized for its complex bark-mimicking coloration that provides camouflage against tree trunks. The species exhibits a distinctive tufted thorax and intricate wing patterns that have drawn attention from naturalists. It represents a North American endemic with a transcontinental distribution across forested regions.
Thyatirinae
False Owlet Moths
Thyatirinae, commonly known as false owlet moths, comprises approximately 200 described species within the family Drepanidae. Historically treated as a separate family Thyatiridae, this subfamily has undergone significant taxonomic revision. The group exhibits notable morphological diversity, with some species displaying complex bark-mimicking patterns for camouflage. Afrotropical representatives have been subject to recent taxonomic review, including the establishment of new genera and elevation of subspecific taxa.