Vestal
Common NameVestal
Scientific NameRhodaria pupula
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyPyraustinae
Wingspan (mm)17.5
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorspale yellow, red
HabitatMeadows, fields, open woodlands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeNorth America
Host Plantsragweed, goldenrod, other herbaceous plants
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green or brownish and feed on the leaves of various herbaceous plants, pupating in a silken cocoon near the ground or within plant debris.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its small size, pale wings, and the single, prominent red stripe that diagonally crosses each forewing. The reddish body is also a key feature.
Description
A small moth characterized by its pale yellowish-white forewings, each marked with a distinctive diagonal red stripe extending from the base to the outer margin. The body is often reddish.
