Australian Soybean Moth
Common NameAustralian Soybean Moth
Scientific NameNacoleia argentalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatAgricultural fields, open woodlands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeAustralia, parts of Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Korea), and Pacific islands
Host PlantsGlycine max (soybean), Vigna radiata (mung bean), Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean), other legumes
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, warmer months in temperate areas
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, larvae (caterpillars) feed on leaves, often rolling them, before pupating. Multiple generations can occur annually.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, slender body, mottled brown and grey forewings, and the characteristic white marking on the posterior part of the body or hindwings.
Description
A small, slender moth with mottled brown and grey forewings, often featuring a distinct white patch near the base of the abdomen or on the hindwings.
