Yellow Nutsedge Moth
Common NameYellow Nutsedge Moth
Scientific NameChoristostigma plumbosignalis
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilySchoenobiinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatWetlands, marshes, damp fields, and areas with sedges
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Canada south to Florida and west to Texas
Host PlantsCyperus esculentus, Cyperus strigosus, other Cyperus species (sedges)
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are stem borers, feeding internally within the stems of sedges, particularly Yellow Nutsedge.
Identification TipsKey features include the slender, brownish-grey body with bold white diagonal markings on the forewings. The most distinctive characteristic is the fanned-out, tufted appearance of the posterior abdomen when the moth is at rest. Often found in habitats with its sedge host plants.
Description
A small, slender moth with brownish-grey forewings marked with prominent white or cream diagonal stripes and patches. Its posterior end displays a distinctive fanned-out tuft of white and brown scales when at rest.
