Bug FAQVariable Metallata Moth
Metallata absumens · Order: Lepidoptera · Family: Erebidae
Also called: Brown Leaf Mimic
No source yet on danger. We have no source yet on whether it bites, stings or damages anything.
The Variable Metallata Moth (Metallata absumens) occurs in North America. Its range is native to North America.
Source: Wikipedia
Where it lives
It lives in North America.
Source: Wikipedia
Where it comes from
It is native to North America.
Source: Wikipedia
Where it is found in the US
Recorded in 15 of 51 states and DC. Most records: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi.
AKMEVTNHWAIDMTNDMNILWIMINYRIMAORNVWYSDIAINOHPANJCTCAUTCONEMOKYWVVAMDDEAZNMKSARTNNCSCDCOKLAMSALGAHITXFL
Darker = more records. Counts are museum and citizen-science records, not population size.
Source: GBIF
Months it is reported in the US
JFMAMJJASOND
Source: GBIF
More photos
Same family (Erebidae)
Spongy MothLymantria disparDamages trees, gardens or crops
Fall Webworm MothHyphantria cuneaDamages trees, gardens or crops
Brown-tail MothEuproctis chrysorrhoeaCan irritate skin
Isabella Tiger MothPyrrharctia isabella
Virginian Tiger MothSpilosoma virginicaCan irritate skin
Salt Marsh MothEstigmene acreaDamages trees, gardens or cropsSources
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metallata_absumens
Look it up elsewhere: GBIF · iNaturalist · BugGuide · ITIS · Wikipedia
Text written 2026-10-26 from the sources above and checked sentence by sentence against them. Data fetched 2026-10-26.