Insects nocturnal

Bicolored Sallow

Sunira bicolorago

A hardy gem of the autumn night, the Bicolored Sallow paints the late-season garden with shades of harvest gold and rustic bronze. While other insects succumb to the cold, this resilient moth emerges to celebrate the turning of the leaves.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Wingspan of 2.8–3.8 cm (1.1–1.5 inches); total body length approx. 1.5–2 cm (0.6–0.8 inches)

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Colors

Forewings are typically divided into a pale straw-yellow or orange-yellow base and a darker reddish-brown or purple-brown outer half; hindwings are smoky gray.

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Key Features

Distinctly bicolored forewings with a sharp contrast between light and dark sections
Kidney-shaped (reniform) spot that is usually dark on the bottom half
Warm autumnal color palette ranging from ochre to rust
Active during late autumn frosts when most other moths are gone

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern nocturnal

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Peak hours 7 PM - 12 AM (Active immediately after dusk through the first half of the night)

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Season September-November

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Diet Adults feed on tree sap, rotting fruit, and the nectar of late-blooming flowers like asters and goldenrod. Larvae feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees including oak, cherry, and maple.

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Habitat Deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and suburban backyards with mature trees and leaf mulch.

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Behavior

The Bicolored Sallow is one of nature’s hardiest late-season survivors. While most moths disappear at the first sign of frost, this species thrives in the cooling temperatures of September, October, and even November. They are master camoufleurs, perfectly mimicking the fallen, drying leaves of the deciduous trees they frequent. During the day, they remain motionless in the leaf litter, relying on their earthy tones to avoid predators.

As nocturnal fliers, they spend their nights searching for energy sources to fuel their late-season activity. Unlike summer moths that flutter frantically around porch lights, the Bicolored Sallow is often more focused on food than light. They are highly attracted to fermenting juices, such as leaking tree sap or overripe fruit that has fallen to the ground. This makes them a fascinating subject for backyard naturalists who want to see activity in their gardens during the shoulder seasons.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Bicolored Sallow on a backyard camera requires a different strategy than tracking mammals or birds. Because they are relatively small and move quickly when flying, the most successful method is to use a 'station' approach. Set your camera on a tripod roughly 12 to 24 inches away from a vertical surface, like a tree trunk. If your camera has a macro mode or a close-focus setting, ensure it is engaged to capture the intricate patterns on their wings.

The secret to attracting this specific moth is a technique called 'sugaring.' Create a thick, fermented bait using overripe bananas, molasses, and a splash of beer or fruit juice. Paint this mixture in a square patch on the tree trunk directly in the center of your camera's field of view. The Bicolored Sallow will find this irresistible in the late fall when other food sources are scarce. They will often land and stay still for long periods to feed, allowing for crystal-clear still images or high-quality video.

Check your camera settings to ensure the flash or infrared (IR) illuminator isn't overexposing the subject. Because these moths have reflective scales, a direct IR blast at close range can result in a 'white-out' image. If possible, angle the camera slightly to the side of the bait rather than head-on to reduce glare. Since this species is most active during cool autumn nights, make sure your camera batteries are fresh, as cold weather can drain them significantly faster than in the summer.

Similar Species

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

Variable Sallow

Lacks the stark bicolored contrast and usually features more uniform, mottled gray or brown wings.

Pink-barred Sallow

Features bright pink or purple-pink bands across a yellow wing, rather than the dark brown outer half of the Bicolored Sallow.

Dotted Sallow

Generally larger with a more uniform orange-brown color and more prominent small black dots along the wing margins.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bicolored Sallow is strictly nocturnal. They typically begin their flight shortly after sunset and remain active through the midnight hours, especially on humid or overcast autumn nights when temperatures stay slightly above freezing.

The best way to attract them is by 'sugaring.' Apply a mixture of fermented fruit, sugar, and molasses to a tree trunk. They are also drawn to late-season nectar sources like Ivy and late-blooming Asters, as well as fallen, rotting fruit.

As adults, they primarily consume liquid sugars from fermenting fruit, leaking tree sap, and nectar. As caterpillars, they feed on the foliage of broadleaf trees and shrubs, including maples, oaks, and willows.

Yes, they are very common throughout Eastern North America and are frequently found in suburban backyards that have mature trees and plenty of leaf litter for them to hide in during the day.

Look for the distinct 'two-toned' appearance of the forewing. The inner half is significantly lighter (yellow/orange) than the outer half (red/brown). Also, look for a dark smudge on the lower half of the kidney-shaped spot on the wing.

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