Speckled Black Pyla Moth
Common NameSpeckled Black Pyla Moth
Scientific NamePyla fusca
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Primary Colorsblack, grey, white
HabitatConiferous forests, woodlands, areas with host trees
Geographic RangeNorth America (Canada and northern US), Europe, Asia
Host Plantspine, spruce, fir, larch, juniper
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the needles of various conifers, often creating silken tubes or webs. Pupation typically occurs in a cocoon among the host plant material or in leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include its dark, speckled, cryptic coloration and its association with coniferous trees. Distinguishing it from other small dark moths may require close examination of wing patterns and venation.
Description
A small, slender moth with dark, mottled forewings, appearing blackish-grey with scattered lighter scales, and often a faint darker discal spot. Its antennae are relatively long and simple.
