The Somber Carpet Moth has a wingspan of about 1.25 inches. The forewing and hindwings have the same patterning and are variably light tan to dark brown with black wavy lines. The midpoint of the postmedian line has two rounded “teeth” within the bulge. The larva is a tan inchworm with black spotting and black geometrical patterns on the dorsal surface.
This is an uncommon species that is tropical and ranges from Bolivia through Central America, Mexico, the US and Canada. It is a fall immigrant to Nebraska. It has been photographed at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in early October 2013.
The larvae feed on Amaranth, Devil’s Claw and Pokeweed.
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