Moths of the Lower Rio Grande Valley
Common Moths - Crambids
Belted Grass Veneer (Euchromius ocellea)
Peppery straw-colored overall with two obvious golden bands across the median area, and jewel-like black dots along the terminal edge. Recorded July - April.
Bluegrass Webworm (Parapediasia teterrellus)
A plain but variable grass veneer with a thin, jagged rusty median band. Sometimes shows darkish smudging ahead of the median band. Recorded July - January.
Profane Grass Veneer (Fissicrambus profanellus)
Of all the "white-striped" grass veneers, this species is one of the most likely in the LRGV, although many experts are hesitant to label these anything but "Fissicrambus sp." without dissection or DNA analysis. The typical Profane GV will have a black dot or two where the white stripe fades near the subterminal area. Recorded year-round.
Faithful Achyra (Achyra bifidalis)
A prominent brown line runs from the median area of the forewing down to the apex, where it splits. Four additional prominent brown spots on the forewing can sometimes look like bands across the wings. Even faded individuals (right) show this basic pattern. Recorded August - December, with some records in March and April.
Garden Webworm (Achyra rantalis)
Extremely variable; usually shows a paler subterminal band and a dark reniform spot. In most individuals a pale patch connecting the reniform and orbicular spots is visible. Recorded year-round.
Genista Broom Moth (Uresiphita reversalis)
Similar to the smaller Garden Webworm (shown with the Genista in the far right image), but with a dotted subterminal line as opposed to a wavy one, and a long, pointed "snout". The dark reniform spot is bean-shaped, and the orange hindwings are diagnostic when visible. Recorded April-May and July-February.
Lucerne Moth (Nomophila nearctica)
A long and lanky moth with pronounced reniform, claviform, and orbicular spots that form somewhat of a band across the wings. Even the most worn individuals will show the four small black dots along the lower edge of the forewing. Recorded October - February.
Magician Moth (Hileithia magualis)
This little golden moth is boldly marked with dark brown lines and white bands outlined in dark brown. Look for the dark brown "shoulders" and costa spots to help separate it from similar species found in the LRGV. Recorded March - November, most common in July.
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