Mimorista subcostalis

Family: Crambidae · Class: Insecta · Order: Lepidoptera

Mimorista subcostalis is a moth in the family Crambidae, described by Hampson in 1913. This species belongs to the subfamily Spilomelinae and the tribe Nomophilini. Based on verified observations, specimens have a wingspan of approximately 1.125 inches (29 mm), though detailed morphological descriptions of coloration and wing patterns have not been well documented in the scientific literature. Mimorista subcostalis occurs across western North America, with confirmed records from Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Texas (iNaturalist). In California, verified observations have been documented from San Diego County and Orange County, including the Santa Ana Mountains. The type locality for this species is Colusa County, California (BugGuide). Additional verified sightings have been recorded from Cochise County, Pima County, and Santa Cruz County in Arizona; Washington County, Utah; Clark County, Nevada; and Llano County, Texas (BAMONA). Specific habitat requirements for M. subcostalis have not been thoroughly documented. Verified observations suggest the species occurs in diverse habitats across its range, from desert regions in Arizona and Nevada to coastal and mountain areas in California. One documented specimen was collected in Upper Silverado Canyon in the Santa Ana Mountains of Orange County, indicating the species may utilize montane habitats. The broad geographic distribution spanning multiple states suggests tolerance for varied environmental conditions. The larval host plants and immature life stages of M. subcostalis remain unknown (Powell & Opler 2009). Adult flight period appears to extend from summer through early fall based on verified observation dates, with records from July through October, and one winter observation from January in Texas. The species is attracted to artificial lights, as evidenced by blacklight collections documented in Orange County. Specific details regarding mating behavior, reproduction, and seasonal activity patterns have not been well studied. Mimorista subcostalis does not appear on any federal or state conservation lists and lacks formal conservation status assessments. The species' conservation needs are difficult to evaluate given limited ecological data and scattered distribution records. Population trends and potential threats are unknown. The broad geographic range suggests the species may be relatively stable, though habitat-specific requirements remain poorly understood. Scientific documentation for this species remains limited despite its description over a century ago. The information presented here is based on available sources including taxonomic databases, citizen science observations, and moth photography projects. If you have additional verified information about this species' biology, distribution, or ecology, please contact us to help improve this species account.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.