Smokey Metasia Moth
Common NameSmokey Metasia Moth
Scientific NameMetasia fumalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black
HabitatDry grasslands, heathland, coastal dunes, open grassy areas
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, parts of Asia (e.g., Turkey, Iran), introduced to Australia
Host PlantsThymus, Calluna vulgaris, various low-growing plants
Flight PeriodMay to October (often bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on low-growing plants. The moth undergoes complete metamorphosis, with two generations typically occurring per year.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, greyish-brown coloration, the prominent darker median band, and the wavy postmedian line on the forewings. Its resting posture with wings held flat and triangular is also characteristic.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with greyish-brown forewings featuring a darker median band and a paler subterminal area, often with a distinctive wavy postmedian line.
