Brown-spotted Diachorisia Moth
Common NameBrown-spotted Diachorisia Moth
Scientific NameDiachorisia velatella
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, dark brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, disturbed areas, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America (from Nova Scotia south to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba)
Host Plantsvarious herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various herbaceous plants, likely concealed. The species has multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the white ground color heavily speckled with dark brown, and the presence of a few more prominent dark spots on the forewings, particularly one near the outer margin.
Description
A very small moth with white wings densely covered in dark brown to black speckles and distinct spots, creating a mottled or 'salt-and-pepper' appearance.
