California Pyrausta Moth
Common NameCalifornia Pyrausta Moth
Scientific NamePyrausta californicalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyPyraustinae
Wingspan (mm)17.5
Primary Colorsorange, brown, yellow
HabitatOpen woodlands, chaparral, grasslands, and disturbed areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America (primarily California, extending to Oregon, Nevada, Arizona)
Host PlantsMonardella spp., plants in the Lamiaceae family
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs hatch into larvae (caterpillars) that feed on host plants, then pupate before emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the specific reddish-orange and brown ground color, and the prominent, irregular yellow-orange spots and bands on both sets of wings.
Description
A small moth with broad, triangular wings, predominantly reddish-orange to brown with irregular darker brown markings along the margins and distinct yellow-orange patches and bands on both forewings and hindwings.
