Eublemma minima (Guenée, 1852)
93-0693
Everlasting Bud Moth
View Photographic Plate
OR : Josephine Co.
Selma, 8 mi. W, 1067 ft
42.3, -123.8
May 10, 2005, L. G. Crabo.
Specimen courtesy of LGCC
Photograph copyright: Merrill A. Peterson
-
/media/moths_z/Eublemma minima-A-D -
/media/moths_z/Eublemma minima-A-V
Similar Species
Nola cilicoides Data Filters
Date Range
Elevation (ft)
Identification
Adults
Eublemma minima, as the species name suggests, is one of our smallest species in the superfamily Noctuoidea (FW length 7 mm). The wing has a flange along the posterior margin, similar to those of some of our much larger species of prominent moths (family Notodontidae). The ground color of both wings is white. The forewing is suffused with medium dark brownish gray, heaviest in the median area and near the margin. The reniform spot is two small black dots, and there are additional black scales in the terminal area. The hindwing is peppered with darker scales, but the fringe is pure white. The head and thorax are white.
This species can be identified by its white color, small size, and distinctive forewing shape.
Habitat
This species is widely distributed across the southern United States in more open habitats. In the Pacific Northwest, it appears to be narrowly limited to open grasslands and oak savanna at low elevations in southwest Oregon.
Distribution
Pacific Northwest
Eublemma minima is restricted to southwestern Oregon in the Pacific Northwest.
Global
This species is widely distributed in the New World, occurring across the southern United States north of Mexico. Its range extends into South America and it is also found in the Caribbean.
Life History
Larvae
This species is a foodplant specialist feeding on the flower buds of Asteraceae, particularly cudweed (Gnaphalium).
Economic Importance
None.
Literature
Covell (1984)
Forbes (1954)
Powell & Opler (2009)
