Hawaiian Beet Webworm Moth
Common NameHawaiian Beet Webworm Moth
Scientific NameSpoladea recurvalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatAgricultural fields, gardens, disturbed areas, tropical and subtropical environments
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Hawaii, North America (southern states), Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe (as a migrant).
Host Plantsbeet, spinach, amaranth, purslane, legumes, cotton, corn, sweet potato, taro, coffee
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates; multiple generations per year.
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on the underside of host plant leaves. Larvae are typically green with dark spots, feeding on leaves and often webbing them together. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon in the soil or within folded leaves.
Identification TipsKey identification features include its small size, the distinctive dark brown coloration with prominent, wavy white bands across both sets of wings, and its typical resting posture with wings held somewhat flat.
Description
A small moth with dark brown wings characterized by two prominent, wavy white bands on the forewings and a single broad white band on the hindwings, often with a white fringe.
