Ramie Moth
Common NameRamie Moth
Scientific NameSpodoptera exigua
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, black, tan
HabitatAgricultural fields, gardens, disturbed areas, open woodlands
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan (nearly worldwide in tropical and temperate regions)
Host Plantsramie, cotton, corn, alfalfa, various vegetables
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple generations from spring to fall in temperate zones
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters, larvae (beet armyworms) are highly polyphagous, pupation occurs in the soil, and adults are nocturnal.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its drab, mottled forewings with a characteristic pale reniform (kidney-shaped) spot and a smaller orbicular spot, and whitish hindwings with dark veins.
Description
A medium-sized moth with mottled brown and black forewings, often featuring a pale kidney-shaped spot, and a furry brown thorax.
