Astronomer Moth
Common NameAstronomer Moth
Scientific NameEthmia bipunctella
FamilyDepressariidae
SubfamilyEthmiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black, blue
HabitatDry grasslands, scrubland, open woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia; introduced to North America
Host PlantsEchium vulgare, Anchusa officinalis, Symphytum officinale
Flight PeriodMay to August (often two broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed gregariously on the leaves and flowers of host plants, often spinning silk webs. They pupate in a cocoon, sometimes in the soil or on the host plant.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pattern of dark, often metallic-centered spots on a brownish-orange forewing. The long, slender antennae are also characteristic.
Description
A small moth with mottled brownish-orange forewings adorned with numerous dark spots, many of which have iridescent blue or silver centers. The hindwings are typically uniform grey.
