Batia lunaris (Lesser Tawny Crescent Moth)

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This is a little Twirler moth (Gelechioidea) in the family Oecophoridae (Concealer Moths). This colorful and distinctive moth is the only member of its genus in the US. It is a European moth first found in the US in 1931. So far it is only found from southern British Columbia south to northern California. Adults fly in the summer months. Caterpillars live under the bark of various trees, possibly feeding on fungi or decaying wood, and overwinter as larva in diapause. 


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Size– 4.5-5mm fw length

Habitat– Forested areas

Range– western parts of southern BC, Wa, Or, northern Ca. Non-native

Flight season– June, July, August 

Eats– larvae eat fungi or decaying wood 

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