Terastia egialealis
Common NameTerastia egialealis
Scientific NameTerastia egialealis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsbrown, cream, reddish-brown, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, gardens, and areas where Erythrina host plants are present.
Geographic RangeNeotropical region, including parts of the southern United States (e.g., Florida), the Caribbean, Central and South America.
Host PlantsErythrina spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods in warmer subtropical areas.
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are internal borers, feeding within the stems, pods, or flowers of Erythrina trees, and pupation occurs either inside the host plant or in the soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the mottled brown and cream forewing pattern with distinct darker markings, particularly a reniform spot, and its strong association with Erythrina host plants.
Description
This is a small to medium-sized moth with mottled forewings displaying shades of brown, reddish-brown, and cream, accented by darker spots and lines. The hindwings are typically paler.
