Floating-heart Waterlily Moth
Common NameFloating-heart Waterlily Moth
Scientific NameNymphula obscuralis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyAcentropinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorswhite, brown, orange, black
HabitatAquatic environments, ponds, lakes, slow-moving streams, marshes, wetlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host PlantsNymphoides peltata, Nymphaea, Nuphar, Potamogeton, Brasenia schreberi
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are aquatic, breathing through gills, and construct portable cases from pieces of their host plants. They feed on submerged or floating leaves and stems, pupating in a silken cocoon attached to aquatic vegetation.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive white and brown striped pattern combined with the orange subterminal band on the hindwings, especially in areas with aquatic vegetation. Its small size and association with water bodies are also key.
Description
A small moth with striking striped wings, featuring alternating bands of white and brown, and a prominent orange band with black spots near the outer margin of the hindwings.
