Metallic-sheened Moth
Common NameMetallic-sheened Moth
Scientific NameHypargyria metalliferella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)11
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown, silver
HabitatWoodlands, shrublands, and areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host PlantsRhus, Vaccinium, Myrica, Comptonia
Flight PeriodApril to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous, feeding on the leaves of various woody plants, and undergo complete metamorphosis through egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.
Identification TipsKey features include the metallic, silvery-brown forewings with subtle reddish-brown bands, a relatively pointed head, and prominent, upturned labial palps.
Description
A small, slender moth with a distinctive metallic sheen on its forewings, featuring a mix of silvery-white, brownish, and reddish-brown scales that create a mottled pattern.
