Aeolothapsa malacella
Common NameAeolothapsa malacella
Scientific NameAeolothapsa malacella
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGelechiinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsyellow, brown
HabitatWoodlands, fields, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (e.g., Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana)
Host PlantsUnknown, likely various broadleaf plants
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are typically concealed feeders, such as leaf-miners or stem borers, though specific host plant associations for this species are not well-documented.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, predominantly yellow forewings, and the faint brownish marking near the tornus. Distinguishing it from other similar small yellow moths often requires examination of genitalia.
Description
A small, slender moth characterized by its overall yellowish coloration. The forewings are typically a uniform yellow with a subtle, faint brownish patch near the tornus, and the hindwings are paler.
