Trabalis Moth
Common NameTrabalis Moth
Scientific NameToripalpus trabalis
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsbrown, white, black, gray
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests
Geographic RangeEastern North America (e.g., Ontario, Quebec, eastern US states)
Host PlantsCarya, Juglans, Quercus, Ulmus, Tilia, Acer
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees and shrubs, pupating before emerging as adult moths.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic mottled forewing pattern with a prominent dark band across the middle and a contrasting pale subterminal area. Its small size and snout-like labial palps are also indicative of the family Pyralidae.
Description
A small moth with mottled forewings displaying a complex pattern of brown, white, and black scales, often featuring a distinct dark median band and a paler area beyond it. The hindwings are typically plain gray.
