Ethmia hagenella
Common NameEthmia hagenella
Scientific NameEthmia hagenella
FamilyDepressariidae
SubfamilyEthmiinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, open woodlands, chaparral, deserts
Geographic RangeWestern North America (California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Mexico)
Host PlantsPhacelia ramosissima, Phacelia distans, Phacelia crenulata
Flight PeriodMarch to June, sometimes August to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are gregarious and feed on the leaves and flowers of various Phacelia species, often creating silken webs. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the distinctive pattern of irregular black spots on white forewings, the prominent black stripe along the forewing's lower margin, and the dark hindwings.
Description
This small moth has striking white forewings densely covered with irregular black spots, and a prominent black stripe running along the lower margin. Its hindwings are uniformly dark gray to black.
