The mature Fungus Moth caterpillar is approximately 1 inch long. It is dark brown with white blotches and sparse hairs protruding from warts. The dorsal hairs alternate in direction. The D1 hairs grow forward and the D2 hairs grow rearward. prolegs are absent on segments A3 and A4. The adult moth has a wingspan of approximately 3/4 inch to 1 inch. The wings are yellowish or tan with brown and black mottling. A broad blackish band crosses the median area. The terminal line is a row of white dots. Similar fungus moths occur in our region and are difficult to identify to species.
The Fungus Moth caterpillar has been photographed once in Fontenelle Forest in early November. The adults fly from June to August and will come to bait consisting of fermented fruit, sugar, beer or wine.
The larvae feed on dry fungi. The mature caterpillar weaves pieces of soil, frass and litter into the wall of the cocoon. The pupa overwinters.
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