Ethmia bittenella
Common NameEthmia bittenella
Scientific NameEthmia bittenella
FamilyDepressariidae
SubfamilyEthmiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black, orange
HabitatDry, open habitats, grasslands, scrublands where host plants are present.
Geographic RangeWestern North America (e.g., California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas).
Host PlantsPhacelia
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on species of Phacelia (Boraginaceae). Pupation occurs in a cocoon, and adults are typically nocturnal.
Identification TipsLook for the striking contrast of white forewings with prominent black spots and a dark hindwing. The orange-brown collar behind the head is also a key identifying feature.
Description
A small moth characterized by its white forewings heavily marked with numerous irregular black spots. The hindwings are typically dark, and there is often an orange-brown collar behind the head.
