Gracile Palpita Moth
Common NameGracile Palpita Moth
Scientific NamePalpita gracilalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, brown, dark brown
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantsprivet, lilac, ash, fringe tree
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green and feed on the leaves of various woody plants, often tying leaves together. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, usually on the host plant.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of white wings with a prominent brown costal margin on the forewings and scattered dark speckles. The body is also mostly white with some brown markings.
Description
A small moth with predominantly white wings, featuring a distinct brown band along the costal margin of the forewings and scattered dark brown speckles across the wings.
