Red-banded Prenesta Moth
Common NameRed-banded Prenesta Moth
Scientific NamePrenesta rubrocinctalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Primary Colorsorange, reddish-purple
HabitatOpen fields, gardens, wetlands, and disturbed areas where host plants are present.
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas) south through Central America and the Caribbean.
Host PlantsAlternanthera philoxeroides, Gomphrena globosa
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical and subtropical regions; multiple broods from spring to fall in temperate areas.
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are known to feed on plants in the Amaranthaceae family, often acting as leaf-miners or stem borers.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its unique and striking pattern of reddish-purple markings against an orange-yellow background, which is quite consistent across individuals.
Description
A small moth with a vibrant and intricate wing pattern, featuring irregular reddish-purple bands and blotches on a bright orange-yellow ground color.
