National Moth Week 2023 - The Inornate Pyrausta Moth
We're kicking off our National Moth Week posts with a small, pink moth called in inornate pyrausta moth. This should get you used to the unwieldy common names of many moths. The inornate pyrausta moth or southern pink moth, scientifically known as Pyrausta inornatalis , is a species of moth in the family Crambidae. It has a broad distribution in the southern states from Florida to southern California. The pretty moth is categorized as a horticultural budworm as they pupate near the buds of flowers. The inornate pyrausta specializes in salvias, a common genus and a favorite of native plant gardeners. Caterpillars are frequently found at the base of flowers boring holes. The pupa is a filmy cocoon. With a wingspan of 13 millimeters, the forewings of the adult have a pleasant wine red to reddish pink coloration. Hindwings are fuscous (brownish gray) and fringed. Adults are on wing from March to November. Pyraustas are generally known for their alluring pink and yellow colorations. Ho...