Rusty-banded Adelphia Moth
Common NameRusty-banded Adelphia Moth
Scientific NameAdelphia petrella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, rusty, grey, white
HabitatWoodlands, forests, areas with deciduous trees and shrubs
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Quebec and Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas)
Host Plantsoak, maple, hickory, sumac
Flight PeriodMay to September (often two broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs, often rolling or tying leaves together. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include the rusty-red banding, mottled brown/grey ground color, and scattered white scales on the forewings. It typically rests with wings folded flat over the body.
Description
A small moth with forewings mottled in shades of brown, rusty red, and grey, featuring a prominent rusty band and scattered white scales, giving it a frosted, cryptic appearance.
