It is native to Mexico, but was introduced to Hawaii in 1973 as a biological control agent against mistflower, Ageratina riparia.

The moth larvae create smooth edged holes in the plant's leaves, which stunt its growth.

[4][5] Because the A. riparia is highly invasive in tropical climates, the moth has been used as a biological control agent to slow its growth.

[4][5] The parasitoid wasp, Meteorus laphygmae has been observed parasitizing the species' larvae in Hawaii.

[3] The moth was successfully introduced in Hawaii in 1973 when a total of approximately 1525 specimens from Contreras, Mexico were released at Mt.