Black-banded Owlet
Common NameBlack-banded Owlet
Scientific NamePhalaenostoma metonalis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHerminiinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantsdead leaves, decaying plant matter
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves and decaying plant matter on the forest floor. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, often among leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled grey-brown coloration with wavy dark bands across the forewings and the distinctive long, forward-projecting labial palps that resemble a snout.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled grey-brown forewings, characterized by distinct wavy dark bands and a dark subterminal line. It possesses prominent, forward-projecting labial palps, giving it a 'snout' appearance.
