Metasia cuencalis
Common NameMetasia cuencalis
Scientific NameMetasia cuencalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)16
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black
HabitatDry, warm, rocky areas, scrubland, open woodland
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa
Host PlantsThymus, Teucrium
Flight PeriodMay to July, August to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae feed on various herbaceous plants, particularly species of Thymus and Teucrium, before pupating.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, overall cryptic brown and grey mottling, and the subtle, often broken, dark transverse lines on the forewings. Definitive identification often requires examination of genitalia.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled brown and grey forewings, often featuring indistinct darker transverse lines or bands. Its coloration provides excellent camouflage against bark or dry vegetation.
