Cacozelia elegans
Common NameCacozelia elegans
Scientific NameCacozelia elegans
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Primary Colorsbrown, white, black
HabitatWoodlands, forests
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States
Host PlantsSmilax
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on species of Smilax (greenbrier). Like all moths, it undergoes complete metamorphosis through egg, larval (caterpillar), pupal, and adult stages.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown and white forewing pattern, the distinct dark discal spot, and the prominent, feathery labial palps that curve upwards in front of the head.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with mottled brown, white, and black forewings, featuring a prominent dark discal spot. Its head has prominent, upward-curving, feathery labial palps.
