The Spinach
Common NameThe Spinach
Scientific NameUdea rubigalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorstan, light brown, dark brown
HabitatGardens, agricultural fields, greenhouses, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeNearly cosmopolitan; widespread in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia
Host Plantscelery, spinach, beet, cabbage, lettuce, beans, peas, various ornamentals and weeds
Flight PeriodMultiple generations, year-round in warm climates/greenhouses; spring to fall in temperate regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with a dark head, feeding on a wide variety of plants. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon on the host plant or in the soil, with multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the characteristic wavy brown lines on tan forewings, and its typical resting posture with wings forming a triangular shape.
Description
A small, light brown moth with distinctive wavy, darker brown lines and bands across its forewings, often with a reddish or yellowish tint.
