Variable Fan-foot
Common NameVariable Fan-foot
Scientific NamePechipogo variabilis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHerminiinae
Wingspan (mm)27.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, tan
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host Plantsdead leaves, decaying plant matter, fungi
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are detritivores, feeding on dead leaves and decaying plant matter on the forest floor.
Identification TipsLook for the broad, triangular forewings with their characteristic wavy banding and mottled appearance. The prominent, forward-projecting labial palps (fan-foot characteristic) are also a key feature, though not clearly visible from this dorsal angle.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with broad, somewhat triangular forewings, displaying a cryptic pattern of mottled light brown, grey, and darker brown with wavy transverse lines and a prominent darker median band.
