Elaphria agrotina

Distinguished from other Elaphria species by a combination of geographic distribution and subtle morphological features; precise diagnostic characters require specialist examination. The small size (18 mm wingspan) and broad trans-American range may help differentiate it from some congeners with more restricted distributions. Genitalia examination is typically required for definitive identification within the genus.

Small moth with wingspan approximately 18 mm. Specific coloration and pattern details are not well documented in available sources.

Specific habitat preferences are not well documented. Based on larval host plants and distribution, it likely occurs in areas where Phaseolus species grow, including agricultural and disturbed habitats.

North America (Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Florida, Texas), Central America, Antilles, Cuba, Brazil, and Argentina. Records indicate presence in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil.

Larvae feed on Phaseolus species (legumes, including common bean). Adult feeding habits are not documented.

• Phaseolus - larval hostlarval food plant

As a herbivore in larval stages, contributes to energy transfer in food webs. Specific ecological impacts are not documented.

Potential minor pest of Phaseolus crops, though economic significance is not established in available sources.

• Elaphria grataCongeneric species with similar common name ('Grateful Midget'); distinguished by distribution and morphological details
• Other Elaphria speciesGenus contains multiple small, similar-looking moths; species-level identification typically requires genitalia examination

• moth
• Noctuidae
• owlet moth
• agricultural association
• trans-American distribution

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Bug Eric: Last Night to Blacklight?