Cotachena histricalis
Common NameCotachena histricalis
Scientific NameCotachena histricalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white, pale cream
HabitatForests, woodlands, and areas with fern growth
Geographic RangeIndo-Australian tropics and subtropics (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines, Australia)
Host PlantsPteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris species
Flight PeriodMultiple generations per year in tropical regions, seasonal in temperate areas
Flight Stylefluttering
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). Larvae are known to feed on ferns.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, light brown wings with distinctive irregular white/pale, somewhat iridescent markings, especially the two prominent costal patches and a wavy subterminal line on the forewings.
Description
A small, slender-bodied moth with light brown forewings adorned with several irregular, somewhat iridescent white or pale cream patches and lines, and paler hindwings.
