Black-marked Inga Moth
Common NameBlack-marked Inga Moth
Scientific NameInga sparsiciliella
FamilyOecophoridae
SubfamilyOecophorinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, and areas with oak trees.
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas.
Host Plantsdecaying wood, detritus, fungi (possibly associated with oak trees)
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are thought to be detritivores, feeding on decaying wood or detritus, possibly associated with oak trees. Pupation likely occurs in a cocoon within leaf litter or similar substrate.
Identification TipsThe most distinctive feature is the stark contrast of the bright white forewings with the bold, triangular black markings. Its small size and typical resting posture with wings held flat are also key identifiers.
Description
A small moth characterized by bright white forewings prominently marked with two large, somewhat triangular black patches and several smaller black dots. The head and thorax are also white with some black scaling.
