Black Penestola Moth
Common NameBlack Penestola Moth
Scientific NamePenestola bufalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsdark brown, tan, golden-brown
HabitatWoodlands, fields, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (Canada to Florida, west to Texas)
Host PlantsSmilax
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae feed on host plants, primarily Smilax species, before pupating. Multiple broods occur throughout the flight season.
Identification TipsKey identification features include its small size, the distinctive mottled dark and golden-brown wing pattern, and its presence in eastern North America. Definitive identification may require examination of genitalic structures.
Description
This small moth has mottled dark brown and golden-brown forewings with indistinct wavy lines, creating a somewhat cryptic pattern. Its body is slender and dark, with long, filiform antennae.
