Pale Phalaenostola Moth
Common NamePale Phalaenostola Moth
Scientific NamePhalaenostola metonalis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHerminiinae
Wingspan (mm)22.5
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, dark brown
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, and suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsdead leaves, detritus, fungi
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves and other organic matter on the forest floor. They typically overwinter as pupae.
Identification TipsKey features include the pale brown base color with wavy dark lines on the forewings, the prominent, upturned labial palps, and the bipectinate (feathery) antennae in males.
Description
A small, pale brown moth with broad, triangular forewings featuring several wavy, darker brown transverse lines. Males possess distinctive feathery antennae and prominent, upturned labial palps.
