Melipotis agrotoides
Common NameMelipotis agrotoides
Scientific NameMelipotis agrotoides
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, cream
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, scrublands, open woodlands
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (e.g., Arizona, Texas, California), Mexico
Host Plantsmesquite (Prosopis spp.), acacia (Acacia spp.)
Flight PeriodMarch to November
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae feed on legumes, particularly mesquite and acacia, before pupating and emerging as adults.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its mottled brown and grey forewings with a dark, somewhat triangular patch on the costa and wavy subterminal lines, typical of the Melipotis genus.
Description
A medium-sized moth with cryptically patterned forewings in shades of brown, grey, and cream, featuring a prominent dark triangular patch near the leading edge and wavy lines.
