Pond moth
Common NamePond moth
Scientific NameParapoynx stratiotata
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyAcentropinae
Wingspan (mm)23.5
Primary Colorsbrown, cream, white
HabitatPonds, lakes, slow-moving rivers, wetlands with abundant aquatic vegetation
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, introduced to North America
Host Plantswater-lily, pondweeds, water-milfoil, frogbit
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are aquatic, living in silken cases on submerged parts of host plants and breathing through gills. Pupation occurs in a cocoon attached to aquatic vegetation.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive mottled brown and white pattern on the wings, especially the irregular white markings, and its strong association with aquatic environments.
Description
A small, cryptically patterned moth with mottled brown and cream-white wings, often found resting near water bodies.
