Agonopterix hyperella

The combination of dark lavender gray forewings with brownish shading, the distinctive yellowish-white basal band containing black scales, and the black crescent-shaped discal line with adjacent white discal spot distinguishes this species. The small yellowish and black patches along the costal margin provide additional diagnostic characters. Similar Agonopterix species lack this specific pattern of contrasting markings.

Small moth with wingspan of 15–17 mm. Forewings are dark lavender gray with brownish shading, featuring a yellowish-white band near the base that usually contains a few black scales. Small yellowish and black patches occur along the costal margin. A black crescent-shaped line is present on the disc, with a white discal spot beyond it. Hindwings are smoky gray.

Associated with habitats containing Hypericum prolificum and Hypericum perforatum, which includes open woodlands, meadows, and disturbed areas where these host plants grow.

Eastern North America: recorded from Alabama, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee.

Larvae feed on Hypericum prolificum and Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort species). Adult feeding habits are not documented.

• Hypericum prolificum - larval hostprimary host
• Hypericum perforatum - larval hostprimary host

Herbivore specializing on Hypericum species; may contribute to population regulation of these plants. Potential prey for insectivorous birds, bats, and other arthropods.

• Other Agonopterix speciesSimilar size and general body plan, but distinguished by the unique forewing pattern of dark lavender gray with yellowish-white basal band, black crescent-shaped discal line, and white discal spot.

• moth
• Depressariidae
• herbivore
• Hypericum
• North America
• St. John's wort feeder

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life