Edwards' Glassy-wing Moth
Common NameEdwards' Glassy-wing Moth
Scientific NameCisseps edwardsii
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patterntransparent
Primary Colorstransparent, orange, black, brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, meadows, grasslands, chaparral
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south to California and east to Arizona and New Mexico
Host Plantsgrasses, sedges, Carex, Poa
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. The larvae are hairy caterpillars, typically dark with lighter markings, feeding on grasses and sedges. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, often incorporating larval hairs. Adults are active during the day.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of transparent wings with dark veins and marginal bands, a fuzzy orange-red thorax, and a black abdomen with orange-red banding. Its diurnal, bee-like flight is also a strong indicator.
Description
This is a medium-sized, day-flying moth characterized by its fuzzy orange-red thorax and black abdomen with orange-red bands. Its wings are largely transparent or silvery-white, featuring prominent dark veins and dark brown to black markings along the costa and outer margins.
