Phytometra rhodarialis

Distinguished by small size (20 mm wingspan), yellow ground color with pinkish wing borders, and association with Polygala host plants. Similar to other Phytometra species but identifiable by geographic range and wing pattern.

Small moth with wingspan approximately 20 mm. Coloration includes yellow with pinkish marginal borders on wings.

Associated with habitats supporting Polygala species, which serve as larval host plants. Specific habitat types not documented beyond host plant requirements.

Eastern North America: southern Ontario, Canada; Missouri, New Hampshire, south to Florida and Texas, USA. Northern records possibly represent strays.

Two or more generations annually in Ohio and New Jersey; additional generations occur southward. Active flight period extends through warmer months with multiple broods.

Larvae feed on Polygala species (Polygalaceae). Documented hosts include Polygala lutea and Polygala mariana. Adult diet not documented.

• Polygala lutea - larval hostSuccessfully reared in captivity
• Polygala mariana - larval hostSuccessfully reared in captivity
• Polygala - larval hostGenus-level host association

Multiple generations per year (two or more in northern range, increasing southward). Complete metamorphosis with documented larval stage feeding on Polygala species.

Herbivore specializing on Polygala species; role in pollination or food webs not documented.

• Other Phytometra speciesSimilar size and general appearance; distinguished by wing pattern details and geographic distribution

• moth
• Erebidae
• North America
• Polygala
• specialist herbivore

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