Nicalis Pyrausta
Common NameNicalis Pyrausta
Scientific NamePyrausta nicalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyPyraustinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, reddish-brown, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America
Host PlantsMonarda
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are thought to feed internally on the stems or leaves of Monarda species, pupating in a cocoon.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive wavy white line across the forewing and the pale patch near the outer corner (tornus) on a dark reddish-brown background. Its small size is also characteristic.
Description
A small moth with dark reddish-brown forewings mottled with darker scales, featuring a prominent wavy white postmedian line and a pale, somewhat triangular patch near the tornus.
