Patania silicalis

Patania silicalis, the herbivorous pleuroptya moth, is a moth in the Crambidae family. It was described by Guenée in 1854.^[1] It is found in Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico, Cuba,^[2] Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and North America, where it has been recorded from Missouri, Michigan, Ohio and New York, south to Florida.^[3]

The wingspan is 24–26 millimetres (0.94–1.02 in). The forewings range from yellowish grey to orangish with dark grey antemedial and postmedial lines, as well as a discal spot in a dark grey crescent. The hindwings have a similar colour and have similar markings, but lack an antemedial line. Adults are on wing in summer in North America.^[4]

The larvae feed on Ipomoea batatas, Ipomoea setifera, Merremia umbellata, Rivinia humilis, Bougainvillea spectabilis and Bohemeria nivea.^[5]

References