Metallic-banded Moth
Common NameMetallic-banded Moth
Scientific NameDicymolomia metalliferalis
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilySchoenobiinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Primary Colorscoppery-orange, silvery-white, dark brown, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, gardens, wetland edges
Geographic RangeEastern North America (southeastern Canada to Florida, west to Texas)
Host Plantsgrasses, sedges, cattail (Typha)
Flight PeriodMay to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are thought to feed on various monocots, including grasses and sedges, and possibly detritus or fungi, often in concealed locations.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive metallic coppery-orange bands on a silvery-white background on the forewings, combined with its small size and typical Pyralid moth posture.
Description
This small moth features forewings with striking iridescent coppery-orange bands contrasting with silvery-white and dark brown areas, and darker hindwings often with small black spots.
