Sugarcane Midget
Common NameSugarcane Midget
Scientific NameArgyrostrotis deleta
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)28
Primary Colorsbrown, gray, dark brown
HabitatAgricultural fields, grasslands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas), Caribbean, Central and South America
Host Plantssugarcane, various grasses
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods from spring to fall in temperate areas
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are known as sugarcane borers or armyworms, feeding on sugarcane and other grasses. Pupation occurs in the soil or on host plants.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, overall dull brownish-gray coloration, and the subtle but characteristic forewing markings including the reniform and orbicular spots and a wavy transverse line.
Description
A small, dull brownish-gray moth with mottled forewings, featuring indistinct darker reniform and orbicular spots and a wavy postmedial line.
