Smoky Tetanolita Moth
Common NameSmoky Tetanolita Moth
Scientific NameTetanolita mynesalis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHerminiinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, yellowish-white
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, areas with leaf litter
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsdead leaves, decaying plant matter, fungi, lichens
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves and decaying plant matter. They pupate in a cocoon, and adults emerge, often having multiple broods per year.
Identification TipsKey features include its overall dark coloration, the presence of small, scattered pale spots on the forewings, and its relatively small size. The long, upturned labial palps are also characteristic of the genus.
Description
A small, dark brown to blackish moth with a somewhat triangular forewing shape, featuring scattered small yellowish-white spots and a faint darker postmedial line.
