Nearctic Beet Webworm
Common NameNearctic Beet Webworm
Scientific NameLoxostege sticticalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, cream
HabitatOpen fields, grasslands, agricultural areas, disturbed habitats
Geographic RangeNorth America, Europe, Asia (Holarctic)
Host Plantssugar beet, alfalfa, beans, corn, pigweed, lamb's quarters
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae, known as beet webworms, are greenish-yellow with a dark dorsal stripe. They feed gregariously, often spinning silken webs over host plants, and pupate in silken cocoons in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive forewing pattern of wavy dark lines and two pale spots on a light brown background, its typical wingspan of 20-30 mm, and its common presence in agricultural and open field environments.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with light brown to tan forewings featuring intricate darker brown wavy lines and two prominent, somewhat rectangular pale spots. The hindwings are typically paler brown with a darker subterminal line.
