Spirit Moth
Common NameSpirit Moth
Scientific NamePsychidae sp.
FamilyPsychidae
SubfamilyPsychinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsdark brown, grey
HabitatForests, woodlands, gardens, urban areas
Geographic RangeWidespread (Family Psychidae)
Host Plantsvarious deciduous trees, various evergreen trees, shrubs
Flight PeriodLate spring to summer
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae construct and live within a portable silk case covered with plant material. Females are often wingless and remain in the case, while winged males emerge to seek them for mating. Pupation occurs inside the case.
Identification TipsPresence of a portable, debris-covered larval case; males are small, dark, fuzzy moths with simple antennae; females are often wingless and remain within the case.
Description
A small, dark brown to grey, very fuzzy moth with simple antennae, shown emerging from a larval case constructed from plant debris.
