Rivula propinqualis

Distinguished from similar small erebid moths by the combination of small size, yellowish ground color with spotted wings, and the prominent snout formed by the labial palps. The spotted grass moth can be separated from other Rivula species by its specific wing pattern and geographic range.

Small moth with a wingspan of 15–19 mm. Adults have a yellowish coloration with spotted wing patterns. The common name 'Yellow Snout-moth' refers to the pale, projecting labial palps that form a snout-like structure.

Grassland habitats including meadows, fields, and grassy areas. In North Carolina, it occurs from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic coast, indicating tolerance for varied elevations and moisture regimes.

Eastern North America from southern Canada (including Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) southward to Florida and Texas. Western extent in northern part of range reaches British Columbia and Washington.

Adults are active from May to August.

Larvae feed on various grasses.

• various grasses - larval food plantspecific grass genera not documented in available sources

Herbivore in grassland ecosystems; larvae consume grasses, contributing to nutrient cycling in meadow and field habitats.

• Other Rivula speciesSimilar small size and snout-like palps; distinguished by wing pattern and geographic distribution
• Other small Erebidae in grassland habitatsSimilar habitat use and size; distinguished by yellowish coloration and spotted wing pattern

• moth
• grassland
• North America
• herbivore

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