Explanation of Names
NEBULOSALIS: from the Latin "nebulosus" (cloudy) or "nebula" (a cloud); probably refers to the diffuse dark patch on the forewing, and is the origin of the suggested common name Nebulous Munroessa
Size
wingspan about 15 mm, based on photo by Jim Vargo at MPG
Identification
Adult: forewing orangish-yellow with diffuse dark gray patch that forms a semicircle along the costa; area inside semicircle filled with ground color and a small white patch that touches costa anteriorly; subterminal line wavy, white with black borders, crossing entire wing; hindwing with similar ground color and three irregular black-bordered white lines
Range
South Carolina to Florida
Habitat
larvae are presumably aquatic, like other species of Munroessa; adults may be flushed from vegetation during the day but are nocturnal and attracted to light
See Also
Munroessa faulalis forewing is light yellow with several white patches, has a partial subterminal line near apex, and two diffuse gray areas that almost converge at inner margin
Pondside Pyralid (
M. icciusalis) forewing is pale yellow, and
Waterlily Borer (
M. gyralis) forewing is brown; both species have white patches in different areas (
compare images of similar species at MPG)
Internet References
pinned adult image (John Snyder, Furman U., South Carolina)
distribution (Dalton State College, Georgia)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 29 April, 2006 - 12:38am
Additional contributions by
Steve MorrisLast updated 11 September, 2022 - 1:05pm