It is natively found around the Mediterranean Sea but occurs also in Africa (South Africa, Réunion, Madagascar, Ghana), the Oriental & Australasian region (Australia, Hawaii, New Guinea)[2] and is an introduced species in South America and Middle America.

The caterpillars feed on oranges and other types of citrus fruit, apple and maize.

The adults feed on honeydew, and their association with the Christmasberry (Brazilian pepper, Schinus terebinthifolius) seems to be mainly for that reason.

This species has been reported from several dozen host plants, including many cultivated plants, especially fruits (e.g. grapes, lemons, and pomegranates).

POLISH JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY Honeydew Moth Cryptoblabes gnidiella (MILLIÈRE, 1867) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae): an adventive species frequently imported with fruit to Poland.