Ridings' Fairy Moth
Common NameRidings' Fairy Moth
Scientific NameAdela ridingsella
FamilyAdelidae
SubfamilyAdelinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black, silver
HabitatOpen woodlands, meadows, chaparral
Geographic RangeWestern North America (e.g., California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia)
Host Plantsvarious herbaceous plants, Lupinus, Ceanothus
Flight PeriodApril to July
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are case-bearers, feeding on detritus or plant material, and pupate within their larval case.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, extremely long antennae (especially in males, often several times the body length), and the distinctive orange-brown and silvery-black patterned forewings.
Description
A small moth with a fuzzy orange-brown head and thorax, very long antennae, and forewings patterned with orange-brown, black, and distinct silvery-white bands and spots.
