White-underwing Artena
Common NameWhite-underwing Artena
Scientific NameArtena lacteata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, white, dark brown
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, lowland areas
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (e.g., Borneo, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, Japan)
Host PlantsAcacia spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs hatch into larvae (caterpillars) that feed on host plants, then pupate, and finally emerge as adult moths.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the dull brown forewings with indistinct spots, contrasted sharply by the dark hindwings bearing a distinctive broad white band, which is often visible when the moth is at rest or in flight.
Description
This moth has dull reddish-brown to yellowish-brown forewings with subtle darker shading and a few small, dark discal spots. Its hindwings are dark brown or black with a prominent, broad white median band, giving it its common name.
