Common Hahncappsia Moth
Common NameCommon Hahncappsia Moth
Scientific NameHahncappsia marculenta
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyPyraustinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorstan, light brown
HabitatOpen fields, disturbed areas, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America (from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas)
Host PlantsAmbrosia spp., various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs hatch into larvae (caterpillars) that feed on herbaceous plants, then pupate, and finally emerge as adult moths.
Identification TipsKey features include its overall pale tan coloration, faint wavy lines, small size, and the characteristic pointed labial palpi (snout). A small dark discal spot on the forewing is also often visible.
Description
A small, pale tan to light brown moth with faint, wavy darker transverse lines across its wings and a small dark discal spot. It has prominent dark eyes and pointed labial palpi.
