Alamo Moth
Common NameAlamo Moth
Scientific NameUresiphita reversalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsyellow, orange, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, gardens, disturbed areas, fields, coastal dunes, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeNorth America (southern Canada to Mexico), Central America, South America
Host PlantsGenista, Sophora, Lupinus, Cytisus, Baptisia, Psoralea
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae, known as Sophora Worms, are greenish with black spots and white hairs, feeding gregariously on legume host plants, often webbing leaves together. Pupation occurs in a cocoon on the host plant or in leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive bright yellow or orange forewings with two wavy dark lines. It is often found in association with its legume host plants, such as Sophora (e.g., Texas Mountain Laurel) or Genista (broom).
Description
A small moth with bright yellow to orange forewings, distinctly marked with two wavy dark brown or blackish transverse lines and a dark discal spot. The hindwings are typically paler yellow or white with a dark marginal band.
