Rusty Dotted Triangle
Common NameRusty Dotted Triangle
Scientific NameDolichosticha venustalis
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPyralinae
Wingspan (mm)17.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange-brown, dark brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, forests, suburban gardens
Geographic RangeEastern and Southern Australia
Host PlantsAcacia species, various other plants
Flight PeriodYear-round, more common in warmer months
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike most moths, it undergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. Larvae feed on host plants before pupating.
Identification TipsKey features include the rusty orange-brown ground color, the prominent dark brown triangular markings on the forewings, and the wavy subterminal line.
Description
A small moth with rusty orange-brown forewings marked with distinctive darker brown, somewhat triangular or irregular spots and a wavy subterminal line. The hindwings are a plainer brown.
