Variable Tropic Moth
Common NameVariable Tropic Moth
Scientific NamePsara obscuralis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySpilomelinae
Wingspan (mm)22.5
Primary Colorsyellowish-orange, brown
HabitatTropical and subtropical open woodlands, fields, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthern North America (e.g., Florida, Texas), Central America, South America, Caribbean
Host PlantsBidens, Ambrosia, Solanum
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; warmer months in subtropical areas
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are caterpillars that feed on various herbaceous plants, particularly in the Asteraceae and Solanaceae families.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive yellowish-orange wings with irregular dark brown banding, especially the broad subterminal band, and the characteristic snout-like labial palps typical of Crambidae.
Description
This is a small to medium-sized moth with a yellowish-orange base color on its wings, marked by irregular dark brown bands and scattered dark spots, especially a prominent subterminal band.
