Melsheimer's Sack Bearer
Common NameMelsheimer's Sack Bearer
Scientific NamePsyche melsheimeri
FamilyPsychidae
SubfamilyPsychinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Primary Colorspale grey, brown, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantslichens, algae, various herbaceous plants, deciduous trees and shrubs
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae construct and live within a portable silken case covered with plant debris. Females are often wingless and remain in their cases, attracting winged males.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, pale greyish-brown speckled wings with faint lines, and a furry body. Males have bipectinate antennae, though not clearly visible in this dorsal view.
Description
A small, pale greyish-brown moth with translucent, speckled wings and a furry body, featuring faint darker transverse lines.
