Feather-edged Petrophila
Common NameFeather-edged Petrophila
Scientific NamePetrophila bifascialis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyAcentropinae
Wingspan (mm)17.5
Primary Colorslight brown, cream, dark brown, black
HabitatNear freshwater bodies (streams, rivers, lakes)
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Canada to Florida, west to Texas)
Host Plantsalgae, diatoms
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are aquatic, constructing silken tubes on rocks in flowing water where they feed on algae and diatoms. Pupation occurs underwater.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown forewings, white hindwings with a dark band, and the prominent row of black, metallic-scaled spots along the feathered hindwing margin.
Description
A small moth with mottled light and dark brown forewings, and white hindwings featuring a dark subterminal band and a distinctive row of black spots with metallic scales along the heavily fringed margin.
