Insect · GBIF taxon 1730978
Wood Leopard Moth
Zeuzera pyrinaAlso known as Leopard Moth
Wood leopard moths feature striking white wings densely covered in iridescent blue-black dots reminiscent of big cat pelts. Females possess a long ovipositor used to insert eggs deep into bark crevices of broadleaf trees and shrubs. The resulting caterpillars bore directly into living timber, spending up to three years tunneled inside before emerging as adults.
NocturnalMothPatterned
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Wood of apple trees
- Wood of ash trees
- Wood of hawthorn
Predators
- Insectivorous bats
- Woodpeckers
- Spiders
ThreatsOrchard pest control and removal of infested host trees
HabitatsDeciduous broadleaf forests, orchards, parks, and gardens
Life span2–3 years (primarily spent as wood-boring larvae)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCossidae
- SpeciesZeuzera pyrina
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Night Observations: Look for adults near outdoor lights or light traps between June and August.
- Trunk Inspection: Search mature apple or ash trunks for larval frass pushing out of exit holes.
- Gentle Handling: Avoid touching the fragile wings to protect delicate white scales.
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.