Maliattha separata
Common NameMaliattha separata
Scientific NameMaliattha separata
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyAcontiinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsbrown, cream, reddish-brown
HabitatGrasslands, agricultural areas, disturbed habitats, tropical and subtropical environments.
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka), parts of Africa.
Host Plantsgrasses, sedges, rice (Oryza sativa)
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, year-round in tropical regions.
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs hatch into larvae (caterpillars) that feed on grasses and sedges, followed by pupation before emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive large, dark brown central patch on the forewing, which is sharply delineated from the lighter, mottled cream and reddish-brown areas towards the base and termen.
Description
A small moth characterized by forewings with a prominent, somewhat triangular central dark brown patch, bordered by irregular cream and reddish-brown markings, creating a mottled appearance.
