The Elves
What are they?
Formerly placed within the large family Noctuidae, the elves are now generally recognized as forming their own family, the Euteliidae. They are intriguing, rather small moths with wing patterns or wing shapes which make them hard to detect amongst leaf litter and forest habitats. The Marathyssas in particular role their leaves into narrow, twig-like shapes when at rest during the day.
Identification
Small, though often stout, moths, most are readily identified by wing markings and - especially - wing shape when at rest.
08955 Dark Marathyssa Marathyssa inficita
Length: 13-14mm. Flight Time: May-September. Larval Food: Sumacs (Anacardiaceae).
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08959 Pygmy Paectes Paectes pygmaea
Length: 10-12mm. Flight Time: May-August. Larval Food: Sumacs (Anacardiaceae).
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08962 Large Paectes Paectes abrostoloides
Length: 15-17mm. Flight Time: May-July. Larval Food: Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua).
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