Fractured Western Snout
Common NameFractured Western Snout
Scientific NameAglossa cacamica
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPyralinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, cream, white
HabitatDry open areas, grasslands, chaparral, oak woodlands, human dwellings, stored product environments
Geographic RangeWestern North America (e.g., California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia)
Host Plantsdecaying organic matter, stored products, grains, detritus
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are scavengers, feeding on a wide variety of decaying organic matter, dried plant material, stored products, and detritus. They pupate in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the reddish-brown forewings with their characteristic irregular, broken creamy-white markings that resemble fractures. The prominent snout-like labial palps are also a key identifying feature for this species within the snout moth family.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with reddish-brown forewings distinctly marked by irregular, broken creamy-white bands and patches, giving it a 'fractured' appearance. It possesses prominent labial palps that extend forward like a snout.
