Mung Bean Moth
Common NameMung Bean Moth
Scientific NameMaruca vitrata
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsbrown, white, orange
HabitatAgricultural fields, gardens, tropical and subtropical environments, especially where legumes are cultivated.
Geographic RangePantropical (Africa, Asia, Australia, Oceania, North and South America)
Host Plantsmung bean, cowpea, soybean, pigeon pea, various legumes
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates; multiple generations per year.
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales lay eggs on host plant flowers or pods. Larvae bore into flowers, pods, and stems of leguminous plants, pupating in a silken cocoon in soil or plant debris.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive pattern of irregular white patches on the brownish-orange forewings and the broad, wavy dark band on the white hindwings.
Description
A small moth with brownish-orange forewings featuring irregular white patches and dark brown markings. The hindwings are predominantly white with a broad, wavy dark brown band along the outer margin.
