Beautiful Pseudopyrausta
Common NameBeautiful Pseudopyrausta
Scientific NamePseudopyrausta bella
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Primary Colorscream, golden-brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, and areas with abundant lichens and algae
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantslichens, algae
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are lichenophagous, feeding on lichens and algae found growing on trees and rocks.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive golden-brown reticulated pattern on pale wings, its small size, and often prominent, upturned labial palps.
Description
A small moth with pale cream to whitish wings intricately patterned with golden-brown, wavy, reticulated lines, giving it a delicate, lacy appearance.
