Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Pickleworm Moth
Diaphania nitidalis (Stoll, 1781)


Family: Crambidae
Subfamily: Pyraustinae
Identification: Wings iridescent purplish brown. Forewing has translucent yellow patch that continues onto hindwing, filling all but broad marginal brown hindwing border. Note conspicuous anal tuft, present in both sexes of Diaphania species.
Wing Span: 2.5-3.2 cm.
Life History: A pest southward.
Flight: August-October.
Caterpillar Hosts: Stems, blossoms, and fruits of cucumbers, gourds, melons, and squashes.
Adult Food:
Habitat:
Range: Maine to Florida, west to Nebraska and Texas.
Conservation:
NCGR:
Management Needs:
Comments: NULL