Zeller's Ethmia Moth
Common NameZeller's Ethmia Moth
Scientific NameEthmia zelleriella
FamilyDepressariidae
SubfamilyEthmiinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, disturbed areas, often near host plants.
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas.
Host PlantsLithospermum, Mertensia
Flight PeriodMay to September (often bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of host plants, often creating silk tubes or webbing. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, typically in leaf litter or soil.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinct white and black spotted pattern on the forewings, its small size, and the dark head, which helps distinguish it from similar Ethmia species.
Description
A small moth with striking white forewings heavily marked with irregular black spots and streaks, and a dark head.
