Nacoleia rhoeoalis
Scientific NameNacoleia rhoeoalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, cream
HabitatForests, woodlands, gardens, and agricultural areas where host plants are present.
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, East Asia, and parts of Australia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Taiwan, Australia).
Host PlantsFicus spp., Morus alba, Punica granatum, Mangifera indica, Lagerstroemia indica, Rosa spp.
Flight PeriodMultiple broods throughout the year in tropical and subtropical climates.
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are polyphagous, feeding on a variety of plants before pupating and emerging as adults.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic mottled brown and tan wings with wavy dark bands and a prominent, somewhat triangular pale patch near the leading edge (costa) of the forewing.
Description
This is a small moth with a cryptic wing pattern, featuring mottled shades of brown and tan, accented by wavy darker bands and distinct lighter cream-colored patches on the forewings.
