Derrima stellata

Walker, 1818

pink star moth

Derrima stellata, commonly known as the pink star , is a small to eastern North America. The has a wingspan of 21–30 mm and exhibits periods in spring and summer. It was historically notable among for its poorly understood , which was resolved in 2024 when were discovered feeding on seeds of dead pinweed (Lechea species). The species is listed as a species of special concern in Connecticut, reflecting apparent rarity or loss in parts of its range.

Derrima stellata 4329910 by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Derrima stellata 39865911 by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Derrima stellata MEM353619 by Mississippi Entomological Museum. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Derrima stellata: /dɛˈriːmə stɛˈlɑːtə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

have a wingspan of 21–30 mm. The can be distinguished from similar by the combination of its small size, pinkish coloration, and the star-like pattern on the that gives the species its . Specific diagnostic features beyond general coloration are not well documented in available sources.

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Habitat

Associated with dry, sandy where its pinweed (Lechea ) occurs. The 2024 larval discovery was made in southern New Hampshire on seeds of a dead pinweed plant, suggesting open, disturbed, or early successional areas with this plant .

Distribution

Eastern North America from southern Maine south to Florida, west to Missouri and Texas. Records from Vermont confirm northern range extent.

Seasonality

are active from April to May and from July to August, with two per year.

Diet

feed on seeds of pinweed (Lechea ), as confirmed in 2024. This represents the first documented relationship for the species.

Host Associations

  • Lechea - larval seeds of dead plants; confirmed 2024

Life Cycle

Two per year. feed on pinweed seeds and overwinter as . emerge in spring (April–May) and again in mid-summer (July–August).

Behavior

are and attracted to light. When disturbed, and adults likely exhibit typical defensive behaviors, though specific behaviors are not documented.

Ecological Role

As a seed-feeding on pinweed, likely functions as a primary consumer in early successional . Potential for including birds, bats, and .

Human Relevance

Listed as a of special concern in Connecticut, indicating interest. Historically significant among eastern North due to the long-standing mystery of its larval biology, which was described as "the Holy Grail for in the East Coast" by David L. Wagner.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Derrima speciesSame ; D. stellata distinguished by pink coloration and star-like pattern
  • Other small HeliothinaeSimilar size and general form; D. stellata identified by specific pink coloration and pattern

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Sources and further reading