Ephestiopsis oenobarella
Common NameEphestiopsis oenobarella
Scientific NameEphestiopsis oenobarella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)16.5
Primary Colorsbrown, black, white
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, deserts, scrublands
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, California, Nevada) and Mexico
Host PlantsLarrea tridentata (creosote bush)
Flight PeriodMarch to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae feed on the leaves of creosote bush before pupating and emerging as adults.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, mottled brown and black forewing pattern, and its association with creosote bush in arid regions of the southwestern US and Mexico.
Description
A small, slender moth with forewings mottled in shades of reddish-brown, black, and white, featuring a somewhat cryptic pattern that aids in camouflage.
