Moonseed Webworm
Common NameMoonseed Webworm
Scientific NameDesmia funeralis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, white, yellow
HabitatOpen woodlands, gardens, fields, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern North America, west to the Great Plains, south into Central America and the Caribbean
Host Plantsmoonseed, grape, Virginia creeper
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with a black head, feeding on host plant leaves, often rolling them into a webbed shelter. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon within the rolled leaf.
Identification TipsKey features include the black wings with two white/yellow bands on the forewings and one on the hindwings. Males also possess a distinctive transparent spot on the hindwing.
Description
A small, dark moth characterized by its black wings with two prominent white or yellowish bands on the forewings and one on the hindwings.
