Square-spotted Martyringa Moth
Common NameSquare-spotted Martyringa Moth
Scientific NameMartyringa xeraula
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGelechiinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsdark brown, tan, cream
HabitatWoodlands, forests, areas with dead wood and fungi
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (e.g., Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia)
Host Plantsfungi (e.g., Polyporus) on dead wood, lichens (possibly)
Flight PeriodMarch to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are detritivores, feeding on fungi or lichens found on dead wood.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive mottled pattern of dark brown and pale tan/cream, particularly the somewhat square-shaped pale spots on the forewings. Its small size and typical resting posture (wings folded flat over the body) are also characteristic.
Description
A small, cryptically colored moth with mottled dark brown and tan/cream forewings, featuring irregular, somewhat square-ish pale spots and bands.
