Hypatopa punctiferella
Common NameHypatopa punctiferella
Scientific NameHypatopa punctiferella
FamilyBlastobasidae
SubfamilyBlastobasinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatWoodlands, disturbed areas, near decaying plant matter
Geographic RangeEastern North America (Quebec to Florida, west to Texas)
Host Plantsdecaying plant matter, fungi
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are detritivores, feeding on decaying plant matter, fungi, or sometimes associated with galls or stored products. Pupation likely occurs in a cocoon within the substrate.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the mottled grey-brown forewings with a speckled appearance, and the typical resting posture with wings held flat over the body. Specific identification often requires examination of genitalic features.
Description
A small, slender moth with mottled grey-brown forewings, often appearing speckled with darker scales and indistinct markings. The head and thorax are similarly patterned.
