Hymenia perspectalis

Hymenia perspectalis (Hubner, 1796)
(one synonym : Zinckenia primordialis Zeller, 1852)
Spotted Beet Webworm Moth
SPILOMELINI , PYRAUSTINAE , CRAMBIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley

Hymenia perspectalis
(Photo: courtesy of Buck Richardson, Kuranda)

The caterpillars of this species are a minor international pest on:

Beet ( Beta vulgaris, CHENOPODIACEAE ),

as well as feeding on various plants such as:

Water Hemp ( Amaranthus deflexus, AMARANTHACEAE ).

(Photo: courtesy of Graeme Cocks, Townsville)

The adult moth is dark brown with variable markings. The forewings can have a pattern darker brown and either white or paler brown markings. The hindwings each have a ragged white stripe. The body is brown with white bands. The legs are white, with black bands on the forelegs. The moth has a wingspan of about 2 cms.

The species has been found all over the world, including :

Belize,

Hong Kong,

Jamaica,

North America,
as well as in Australia in

Queensland.