Pale Tetanolita Moth
Common NamePale Tetanolita Moth
Scientific NameTetanolita palligera
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHerminiinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, tan
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, areas with leaf litter
Geographic RangeEastern North America (southeastern Canada south to Florida, west to Texas)
Host Plantsdead leaves, decaying plant matter
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves and decaying plant matter found in leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include the prominent forward-projecting labial palps (snout-like), the mottled grey-brown forewings with a darker, somewhat wavy median band, and its typical triangular resting posture.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled grey-brown forewings, featuring a distinct darker median band and wavy postmedial line. It is characterized by prominent, snout-like labial palps.
