Cardinal Moth
Common NameCardinal Moth
Scientific NamePyralis cardinalis
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPyralinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, white, black, purplish-pink
HabitatGardens, woodlands, human habitations (houses, barns, warehouses)
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North Africa, introduced to North America
Host Plantsdried fruits, grains, seeds, nuts, cork
Flight PeriodMay to September (outdoors), year-round (indoors)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are scavengers, feeding on a variety of dried organic materials. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive reddish-brown forewings with two clear, black-edged white bands and the contrasting purplish-pink hindwings.
Description
A small moth characterized by reddish-brown forewings featuring two prominent white bands edged with black, and purplish-pink hindwings with darker markings.
