leopard moth, (Zeuzera pyrina), widely distributed moth known particularly for its destructive larva that damage fruit trees and other plants. They are an important food for woodpeckers and certain other birds.

The adult moth has a fluffy white body and pale wings that span about 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4 inches) and have numerous black or blue spots and blotches. They are so named for their coloration, which resembles the coat pattern of the snow leopard. The insects are active at night and are strongly attracted to bright lights. Lacking mouthparts, they live as sexually mature adults for only about 6–10 days, during which time they mate and lay eggs.

Leopard moths spend the majority of their lives as grublike caterpillars. Hatching from pink-orange eggs, the larvae bore into stems of deciduous shrubs and trees, especially apples, pears and plums, where they do much damage by eating the heartwood. They develop over two or three years, during which time they form numerous galleries (tunnels) throughout the host plant which can disrupt the flow of xylem and phloem, cause structural weaknesses in the wood, and create wounds for the introduction of plant diseases. When fully grown the larva is about 5 cm (2 inches) long, white and fleshy with black spots and a dark head capsule. They pupate within their burrows and emerge as adult moths.

Britannica Quiz

Deadliest Animals Quiz

(Read Britannica’s essay “What’s the Difference Between Moths and Butterflies?”)