Yellow-based Cacozelia Moth
Common NameYellow-based Cacozelia Moth
Scientific NameCacozelia basiochrella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)17.5
Primary Colorsyellow, reddish-brown, silver-grey, dark brown
HabitatWoodlands, forests, areas with lichen-covered trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Ontario and Quebec south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas)
Host Plantslichens (especially on oak trees)
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on lichens, particularly those found on oak trees, undergoing complete metamorphosis from egg to larva, pupa, and adult.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive yellowish head and thorax, the prominent silvery-white patch on the forewings, and the reddish-brown and dark brown markings along the costa and termen.
Description
A small moth with a yellowish-ochre head and thorax, and forewings featuring a prominent silvery-white patch in the basal and median areas, bordered by reddish-brown and dark brown markings.
