Dark Phalaenostola Moth
Common NameDark Phalaenostola Moth
Scientific NamePhalaenostola metonalis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyBoletobiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, tan
HabitatWoodlands, forests, deciduous forests
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southeastern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsdead leaves, detritus, fungi
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves and decaying plant matter on the forest floor. They undergo complete metamorphosis, pupating in a cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown forewings with wavy dark lines and a prominent reniform spot. The long, upturned labial palps are also characteristic of the genus.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled brown and tan forewings, featuring darker, wavy transverse lines and a distinct reniform spot. The hindwings are typically paler brown.
