Mottled Pyrausta Moth
Common NameMottled Pyrausta Moth
Scientific NamePyrausta inornatalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyPyraustinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black
HabitatFields, meadows, open woodlands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from southern Canada to Florida, west to Texas and Kansas)
Host PlantsMonarda, Mentha, Salvia
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of various plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae). The species typically has multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive mottled orange-brown forewings with dark, irregular markings. Its small size and association with mint family plants can also aid identification.
Description
This small moth features warm orange-brown forewings heavily mottled with irregular dark brown or black spots and bands, and a darker fringe along the termen.
