Southern Beet Webworm Moth
Common NameSouthern Beet Webworm Moth
Scientific NameSpoladea recurvalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorstan, light brown, dark brown
HabitatAgricultural fields, gardens, disturbed open areas, coastal regions
Geographic RangeCosmopolitan in tropical and subtropical regions; migrates into temperate zones, including the southern United States.
Host Plantsbeet, spinach, amaranth, celery, various legumes
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates; multiple generations from spring to fall in temperate regions.
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with a dark head, feeding on the undersides of leaves and often webbing them together. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon, typically in the soil or leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic wavy dark lines and two prominent dark spots on the light brown forewings. Its small size and overall pale coloration with distinct markings help distinguish it from other webworm moths.
Description
A small, slender moth with light tan to pale brown forewings marked by two distinct wavy dark brown transverse lines and a few dark discal spots. The hindwings are paler, often whitish, with a faint subterminal band.
