Gold-lined Melanomma Moth
Common NameGold-lined Melanomma Moth
Scientific NameMelanomma auricinctaria
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyBoletobiinae
Wingspan (mm)22.5
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, tan
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, and adjacent open areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Manitoba and Texas)
Host Plantsfungi, lichens
Flight PeriodMarch to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on fungi and lichens, undergoing complete metamorphosis through egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled brown and grey forewings with prominent wavy dark lines and a distinct, often dark-rimmed, reniform spot. The 'gold-lined' aspect refers to subtle lighter, often yellowish-brown lines within the pattern.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with mottled brown and grey forewings, characterized by wavy dark lines and a distinct reniform (kidney-shaped) spot. The hindwings are typically a paler brown.
