Dotted Renia Moth
Common NameDotted Renia Moth
Scientific NameRenia factiosalis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHerminiinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorstan, brown, reddish-brown
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, and forest edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsdead leaves, detritus
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, undergoing complete metamorphosis through pupation.
Identification TipsLook for the heavily dotted pale brown forewings with a prominent reddish-brown kidney-shaped (reniform) spot. The most distinctive feature is the pair of very long, upturned labial palps that extend well above the head.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with pale tan to light brown forewings heavily speckled with dark brown dots, featuring a distinct reddish-brown reniform spot and long, upturned labial palps.
