Flammeusella Fairy Moth
Common NameFlammeusella Fairy Moth
Scientific NameAdela flammeusella
FamilyAdelidae
SubfamilyAdelinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, white
HabitatWoodlands, forest edges, meadows
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantsvarious herbaceous plants, detritus
Flight PeriodApril to June
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae initially feed on developing seeds or within flowers, then drop to the ground to feed on detritus within a portable case, eventually pupating in leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the extremely long, white-tipped antennae (especially in males), small size, dark wings with white spots, and a characteristic 'dancing' flight pattern.
Description
A small moth characterized by its dark, somewhat iridescent wings marked with distinct white spots, and exceptionally long, filamentous antennae that can be several times its body length.
