Pygmy Paectes Moth
Common NamePygmy Paectes Moth
Scientific NamePaectes pygmaea
FamilyEuteliidae
SubfamilyEuteliinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, pale green
HabitatWoodlands, forests, areas with oak trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Florida north to New York and west to Texas and Missouri
Host Plantsoak
Flight PeriodMay to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae feed on oak leaves, pupating in a cocoon before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, mottled brown and grey forewings with specific dark lines and pale costal patches, and the characteristic upturned, snout-like labial palpi.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled brown and grey forewings featuring dark wavy lines and distinctive pale greenish-white patches near the costa. It has prominent, upturned labial palpi giving it a 'snout' appearance.
