Eudonia protorthra
Common NameEudonia protorthra
Scientific NameEudonia protorthra
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyScopariinae
Wingspan (mm)16
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, white, yellow-orange
HabitatWoodlands, damp areas, grasslands, often associated with mosses and lichens
Geographic RangeWestern North America (e.g., Arizona, California, Colorado) and parts of Canada (e.g., British Columbia, Ontario)
Host Plantsmosses, lichens, detritus
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are thought to feed on mosses, lichens, or decaying plant matter, often found in damp environments. Metamorphosis occurs through pupation, likely in a cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include the small size, the intricate cryptic pattern of dark brown, black, white, and distinct yellowish-orange patches on the forewings, and the typical Scopariinae resting posture.
Description
A small moth with mottled forewings displaying a complex pattern of dark brown and black scales interspersed with prominent white and yellowish-orange markings. The head and thorax are similarly patterned.
