Painted Pearl
Common NamePainted Pearl
Scientific NameUdea ferrugalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, reddish-brown, cream
HabitatGardens, fields, disturbed areas, open woodlands
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan (Europe, Asia, Africa, North America)
Host Plantsplantain, knotgrass, beet, celery, various Asteraceae
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous leaf-tiers, feeding on a wide variety of herbaceous plants. They pupate in a silken cocoon. Multiple generations occur annually.
Identification TipsLook for the small size, light brown coloration with reddish-brown wavy transverse lines, and the prominent pale, somewhat pearly patch near the forewing apex. The triangular resting posture is also characteristic.
Description
A small moth with light brown forewings marked with reddish-brown wavy lines and a distinctive pale, almost pearly patch near the apex.
