Lantana Stick Moth
Common NameLantana Stick Moth
Scientific NameNeogalea esula
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorsbrown, gray
HabitatOpen woodlands, disturbed areas, gardens, agricultural areas where Lantana grows
Geographic RangeNative to Central and South America; introduced to Florida, Hawaii, Australia, and other regions for biological control of Lantana.
Host PlantsLantana camara
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical and subtropical regions (e.g., Florida); multiple generations per year.
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves and stems of Lantana plants, often boring into the stems. Pupation typically occurs in the soil or leaf litter. Multiple generations can occur annually.
Identification TipsLook for its characteristic drab brown and gray streaky forewing pattern, elongated body, and its strong association with Lantana plants, on which its larvae feed.
Description
A medium-sized, drab brown moth with an elongated body and forewings held flat over the back, displaying mottled brown and grayish-white streaking.
