Common Fungus Moth
Metalectra discalis
The caterpillars of this species are specialized fungivores, chewing through tough shelf fungi that other insects find completely indigestible.
- Scientific name
- Metalectra discalis
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Lepidoptera › Erebidae › Metalectra
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Deciduous and mixed forests, particularly damp woodlands with abundant decaying wood and bracket fungi.
- Diet
- Larvae feed on bracket fungi (shelf fungi) and decaying wood; adults drink flower nectar and tree sap.
- Range
- North America, Eastern United States, Southeastern Canada
- Size
- Wingspan of 13 to 22 mm
- Lifespan
- 1 to 2 months as adults; up to 1 year total lifespan
- Active
- nocturnal
- Threats
- Habitat loss due to intensive logging (removal of deadwood and host fungi), light pollution, and heavy pesticide use.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. If you spot this moth resting on a tree trunk, observe its remarkable camouflage from any distance. Do not touch its fragile wings, as this can rub off the scales necessary for flight. If it lands on you, gently blow on it or let it fly away naturally.
The Common Fungus Moth ( Metalectra discalis ) is a species of moth of the Erebidae family. It is found from Quebec and Wisconsin to Maine, south to Florida, west to Texas and Missouri, north to Ontario.
Photo: John P Friel, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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