Pale-edged Selenisa
Common NamePale-edged Selenisa
Scientific NameSelenisa sueroides
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsbrown, dark brown, pale brown
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Florida, Texas), Mexico, Central America, South America
Host PlantsAcacia, Mimosa, Prosopis, Pithecellobium, legumes
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; spring to fall in temperate fringes
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs hatch into caterpillars that feed on host plants, then pupate, and finally emerge as adult moths.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pale, broad band running across the forewings, contrasting with the darker brown areas, and the somewhat scalloped wing margins. Its cryptic coloration helps it blend with tree bark.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its broad, pale brown band across the forewings, separating darker brown basal and outer areas that feature subtle wavy patterns.
