Greater Sweet Potato Webworm Moth
Common NameGreater Sweet Potato Webworm Moth
Scientific NameHerpetogramma hipponalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, tan
HabitatAgricultural fields, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, Caribbean, Central and South America
Host Plantssweet potato, morning glory, other Convolvulaceae
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods in warmer temperate zones (e.g., May-November in Florida)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are webworms that feed on the leaves of host plants, often creating silken webs. They pupate in a cocoon within the web or in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled brown and orange-tan wings with wavy lines and a prominent dark discal spot on the forewing. The overall appearance is typical of a Crambid moth.
Description
This moth has mottled brown and orange-tan forewings with darker wavy lines and a distinct dark discal spot. The hindwings are paler with similar wavy patterns.
