Black Duckweed Moth
Common NameBlack Duckweed Moth
Scientific NameParapoynx obscuralis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyAcentropinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Primary Colorsdark brown, grey, white
HabitatPonds, lakes, slow-moving streams, and other aquatic environments with submerged vegetation.
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas.
Host Plantsduckweed, water-lilies, pondweeds, various aquatic plants
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are aquatic, living underwater in cases made from plant material, feeding on submerged vegetation. They pupate in a silken cocoon attached to aquatic plants.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, dark mottled wings with a prominent white forewing patch, and its presence near freshwater bodies. The aquatic larval stage is a key characteristic.
Description
A small, dark brown to grey moth with mottled forewings featuring scattered white scales and a distinct, irregular white patch near the costa. The hindwings are similarly patterned but often paler.
