Omnivorous platynota moth

Description:

This moth was resting in the patio, and probably flew in last night attracted to the porch light. These moths are very common in Texas, where their native range is from Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia), south through Mexico and Central America to South America (including Venezuela and Brazil). Its native range also includes the West Indies. This moth has brown forewings, with a pumpkin orange like hindwings.

Habitat:

In my patio, suburban Fort Worth, Tarrant co., Texas.

Notes:

The larvae feed on various plants, including Citrus species. On Citrus, they have been recorded damaging unripe fruits and leaves. First instar larvae scrape the leaves and fruits. They use plant debris, feces and silk strands to build cocoons from which they emerge to feed and in which they remain until pupation. Later, they feed through fruit skin or bore holes.