Sky-pointing Moth
Common NameSky-pointing Moth
Scientific NameUdea rubigalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)17.5
Primary Colorspale yellow-brown, reddish-brown, white
HabitatGardens, agricultural fields, disturbed areas, open woodlands
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan, widespread in North and Central America, Europe, and parts of Asia
Host Plantscelery, beet, spinach, cabbage, chrysanthemum, aster
Flight PeriodMultiple generations, active year-round in warm climates; May to October in temperate regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green, feeding on a wide variety of plants, often tying leaves together with silk. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon, leading to multiple generations annually.
Identification TipsKey features include the prominent, pointed 'snout' formed by the labial palps, the pale yellowish-brown forewings with reddish-brown markings (especially a discal spot and wavy subterminal line), and its small size.
Description
A small moth characterized by its pale yellowish-brown, iridescent forewings adorned with reddish-brown blotches and lines, and distinctive long, forward-projecting labial palps that create a pointed 'snout' appearance.
