Palpita pratti
Common NamePalpita pratti
Scientific NamePalpita pratti
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorswhite, brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, gardens, areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEastern and Southern North America
Host PlantsForestiera, Fraxinus, Ligustrum, Chionanthus, Olea
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are caterpillars that feed on the leaves of various woody plants, particularly in the Oleaceae family, before pupating and emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its pure white wings with a prominent yellowish-brown costal margin on the forewings. Careful examination of subtle markings may be needed to differentiate from similar *Palpita* species.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with predominantly white, somewhat translucent wings. The forewings are characterized by a distinct yellowish-brown band along the costal margin and may have a few faint, scattered brown spots.
