Curved-lined Owlet
Common NameCurved-lined Owlet
Scientific NamePhalaenostola metata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyBoletobiinae
Wingspan (mm)22.5
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, white
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas
Host Plantsdecaying leaves, detritus, fungi, mosses
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are thought to feed on decaying organic matter, fungi, or mosses rather than living plants.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pair of pale, curved lines on the forewings against a brownish background. The lines are often quite sharp and stand out.
Description
A small moth with brownish forewings featuring prominent, pale, curved antemedial and postmedial lines, often bordered by darker shading. Its body is also brownish and somewhat hairy.
