Pavlovski's Monopis Moth - Monopis pavlovskii

I was so excited when I saw this moth because I thought it was the Skunk Moth (Polix coloradella), which I've been hoping to see. Alas, it was not. But, it's still my favorite moth from last night!

Total length: 7 mm. Dark gray/black forewing with a large, white patch covering the outer median and subterminal areas. Head and thorax are white. Tufts create a lumpy appearance. This moth feeds on rotting vegetation and animal matter.

Attracted to a moth light in a rural area.

comments (6)

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

I had this a shot of this one from last year, but it was a horrible photo (and didn't want to post it out of embarrassment) lol! One of my faves Posted 7 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Aww! It was really awesome. It kept revolving its antennae in circles. No idea why. Posted 7 years ago

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Didn't even know moths can be scavengers. Cool find! Posted 7 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  I didn't either! It was a fun fact. Posted 7 years ago

Gary B

Lion

Good shot of the dingy spot on the white portion of the forewing a diagnostic feature for this species. I've seen another species here this year: Monopis monachella. Also M. spilotella and M. laevigella but not 100% sure on them. Monopsis larvae can be found in bird's nests where they feed on feathers, droppings, and any remains of dead birds according to some research papers I've read. Posted 7 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Gary, and very interesting information! Posted 7 years ago

The Pavlovskis monopis moth

''Monopis pavlovskii'', Pavlovski's monopis moth, is a moth of the Tineidae family. It is found in China, Russia, Japan and Korea and is an introduced species in North America, where it has been recorded from New York to central Florida and west to Michigan.

The larvae probably feed on detritus.

Info 3 0

Similar species: Moths And Butterflies

Species identified by Christine Young