Metasia tiasalis
Scientific NameMetasia tiasalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Primary Colorspale brown, dark brown, ochre
HabitatDry, warm habitats, rocky slopes, garrigue, maquis, open woodlands
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia
Host PlantsTeucrium, Thymus, various herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodApril to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). Larvae are polyphagous, feeding on various herbaceous plants, including species from the Lamiaceae and Asteraceae families.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the mottled brown and ochreous wing pattern with indistinct markings, and the distinctive checkered fringes. Definitive identification from similar *Metasia* species often requires examination of genitalia.
Description
A small moth characterized by its mottled pale brown and dark brown forewings, often displaying indistinct darker bands and a checkered fringe. The hindwings are paler but similarly marked.
