Insects Active at night

Bicolored Sallow

Sunira bicolorago

iNaturalist

A late-autumn gem of the insect world, the Bicolored Sallow braves the cooling nights of fall. With its striking two-tone wings, this moth is a master of camouflage and a common visitor to backyard sugar stations.

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0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

Wingspan of 2.8 to 3.8 cm (1.1 to 1.5 inches); body length approximately 1.5 to 2 cm (0.6 to 0.8 inches)

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Colors

Forewings are distinctly bicolored with a pale yellow or orange-buff inner half and a darker purplish-brown or gray outer half; hindwings are dark smoky gray.

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Key Features

Distinct division between light inner wing and dark outer wing
Small, dark-outlined kidney-shaped spot (reniform) on the forewing
Overall tawny or golden-orange hue
Active primarily in late autumn

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active at night

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Peak hours 8 PM - 2 AM

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Season September-November

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Diet Larvae are generalists feeding on the leaves of deciduous trees like oak, cherry, maple, and willow; adults feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, and nectar from late-blooming flowers like goldenrod.

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Habitat Deciduous woodlands, forest edges, suburban gardens, and parks with mature hardwood trees.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Bicolored Sallow Live?

The Bicolored Sallow is native to North America, where it maintains a widespread presence throughout the eastern and central portions of the continent. Its territory stretches from the southern provinces of Canada, including Ontario and Quebec, down through the United States to the Gulf Coast and as far west as the Great Plains. It is particularly abundant in the temperate deciduous forests of the Northeast and Midwest, making it one of the most common late-season moths encountered by backyard observers in these regions.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

2 Countries

8.2M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

US United States CA Canada

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Bicolored Sallow is a fascinating nocturnal moth known for its resilience to cold temperatures. While most moth species vanish as the first frosts arrive, this hardy insect is most active during the late autumn months, often flying well into November. During the day, they remain perfectly camouflaged against dried leaves or tree bark, relying on their earthy tones to avoid predators.

Unlike many moths that are strictly nectar-feeders, the Bicolored Sallow is frequently seen feeding on fermenting tree sap and overripe, rotting fruit. This behavior makes them social in a sense, as multiple individuals may gather around a single 'sugar source' on a cool October evening. They are also attracted to artificial lights, though they are more likely to be found on a baited tree trunk than circling a porch light.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Bicolored Sallow on camera requires a different approach than daytime wildlife. Since these moths are late-season specialists, your best window for success is from September through November. To attract them, use a technique called 'moth sugaring.' Create a bait by mixing overripe bananas, brown sugar, and a splash of beer or molasses. Paint this mixture in a square patch on the trunk of a mature hardwood tree at eye level.

Position your AI-powered camera or trail cam on a tripod approximately 3 to 5 feet away from the bait patch. Ensure the camera is set to 'Macro' or a close-focus mode if available, as these moths are small. Because they are active at night, use a camera with high-quality infrared (IR) capabilities to avoid startling them with a bright white flash, though a gentle, warm external light can sometimes produce better color photos of their distinctive orange and purple wings.

Set your camera to trigger on movement, but be aware that wind-blown leaves can cause false triggers. Using a 'time-lapse' mode that takes a photo every 5-10 minutes can also be an effective way to monitor the bait station throughout the night. For the best results, choose a calm, overcast night when temperatures are above 45°F (7°C), as these are the peak activity conditions for the Bicolored Sallow.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Bicolored Sallow.

Pink-barred Sallow

The Pink-barred Sallow has a more uniform yellow color with pinkish-purple bands rather than a solid dark outer half.

Yellow-headed Cutworm Moth

This species lacks the sharp color division on the forewing and is generally more mottled and brown.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Bicolored Sallow moths are strictly nocturnal. They typically become active shortly after dusk and remain on the wing until the early morning hours, with peak activity occurring between 8 PM and midnight.

The most effective way to attract Bicolored Sallow is by 'sugaring.' Paint a fermented mixture of brown sugar, beer, and mashed overripe fruit onto tree trunks. They are also attracted to UV lights (blacklights) set up near wooded areas.

Adult Bicolored Sallows primarily feed on liquid sugars found in nature, such as leaking tree sap and fermenting fruit. Their caterpillars feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees, including maples and oaks.

Yes, they are very common in suburban environments, provided there are enough mature deciduous trees to support their larvae and provide sap for the adults.

Look for the distinct 'cut-off' line on the forewing: the half closest to the body is light orange-yellow, while the outer half is a darker purplish-brown. This two-toned appearance is its most defining characteristic.

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