Diabolical Fungus Moth
Common NameDiabolical Fungus Moth
Scientific NameScardia boletella
FamilyTineidae
SubfamilyScardiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, greyish-brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, and areas with decaying timber where bracket fungi are present
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North America (introduced)
Host Plantsbracket fungi (e.g., Polyporus, Fomes, Piptoporus)
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae bore into and feed on various bracket fungi on dead wood, developing over one to two years before pupating within the fungus or nearby.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its cryptic, mottled dark and light brown wing pattern, relatively broad wings for a Tineid, and its association with bracket fungi.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, somewhat triangular wings, displaying a mottled pattern of dark brown, black, and lighter greyish-brown patches.
