Bushy-tailed Moth
Location: Hawaii Island northeastern side
September 6, 2010 7:46 pm
Hello,
I have an odd moth that has ended up alive in my moth collecting jar. It has a bushy or furry type abdomen ending that is always moving like its alive or could be for mating(?). The wings have two see-thru panels in each wing. The fur is yellow brown on the top side. The moth has a 3/4in long body. I apologize in advance for the poor photo quality. Thanks for your help regarding this moth identification, I started to look but there are many.
Good day,
Signature: k
Dear K,
This is a Melonworm Moth, Diaphania hyalinata. According to BugGuide: “Larvae feed on cucumber family plants: cucumber, melon, squash. Can be pests. Many generations (3?) in south, disperses northward in fall, does not persist there.” We suspect it is an introduced species in Hawaii.