Obscure Psara Moth
Common NameObscure Psara Moth
Scientific NamePsara obscuralis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Primary Colorsbrown, yellowish-brown, dark brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, gardens, areas with herbaceous plants
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America (from Canada south to Florida, west to Texas and Kansas)
Host Plantsvarious herbaceous plants, Asteraceae (e.g., goldenrod, aster)
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae feed on various herbaceous plants before pupating, and adults emerge to reproduce.
Identification TipsLook for the overall mottled brown and yellowish coloration with obscure markings on the forewings. It can be difficult to distinguish from other similar *Psara* species without close examination.
Description
A small moth with cryptically patterned forewings, displaying a mottled mix of brown, yellowish-brown, and darker brown patches, often with indistinct wavy lines.
