Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Aphomia terrenella Zeller, 1848
Synonym
Paralipsa decorella (Hulst 1892) Hodges #5633
Size
The wingspan is about 25 mm.
(1)Identification
Forewing medium brownish-gray with indistinct blackish streak running from wing base to middle of disc; PM line deeply zigzagged with several sharp points (giving a "pointed feathers" appearance); veins in subterminal area dark, prominent.
Genitalia:
Habitat
Unknown but perhaps similar to A. sociella, whose larvae develop in nests of bees
Season
The main flight period is May to August.
(1)Food
unknown - perhaps the same as A. sociella, whose larvae feed on the honeycomb and sometimes larvae of bees
See Also
Aphomia sociella (Bee moth) has one or two black discal spots and usually a greenish cast or shading on forewing (and whitish basal area in males); lacks blackish streak from base to middle of disc.
Internet References
adult images by Larry Line and John Glaser (Moths of Maryland)