Orange-headed Stegea
Common NameOrange-headed Stegea
Scientific NameStegea eripalis
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPyralinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, white
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, often associated with areas where wild buckwheat grows.
Geographic RangeWestern North America (e.g., California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico).
Host PlantsEriogonum spp. (wild buckwheat)
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs hatch into larvae (caterpillars) that feed on wild buckwheat, then pupate before emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, brown forewings with two wavy pale lines, and the key distinguishing feature of an orange-colored head.
Description
A small, brown moth characterized by its distinctive orange head. Its forewings are mottled brown with two prominent, wavy, pale whitish transverse lines.
