Mournful Herpetogramma
Common NameMournful Herpetogramma
Scientific NameHerpetogramma luctuosalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)22.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, white
HabitatWoodlands, forests, areas with ferns
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas)
Host PlantsDryopteris ferns, marginal wood fern, evergreen wood fern
Flight PeriodMay to September (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various fern species, typically in the genus Dryopteris. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive dark wings with two prominent white spots on the forewing and a wavy white subterminal line. The overall pattern is quite characteristic for this species.
Description
A small moth with dark gray to black wings prominently marked with contrasting white or pale yellowish spots and irregular bands, particularly on the forewings.
