Dasypyga alternosquamella
Scientific NameDasypyga alternosquamella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorstan, cream, dark brown, grey
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, deserts, scrublands
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (e.g., Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas) and Mexico
Flight PeriodApril to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). Larvae are likely internal feeders on host plants, pupating in a cocoon.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the pale ground color of the forewings, the prominent and somewhat irregular dark transverse band, and the mottled greyish shading, particularly towards the outer margin.
Description
A small moth with pale yellowish-tan to cream forewings, characterized by a distinct, somewhat irregular dark brown transverse band across the middle and mottled greyish-brown shading near the base and outer margin. The head and thorax are similarly colored.
